Masai giraffe calf born at Santa Barbara Zoo weeks early
The Santa Barbara Zoo’s Masai giraffe Audrey gave zoo staff an early surprise — birthed a female calf.
The calf was not expected for several more weeks but on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at about 3 p.m. it was born. Calf and mother are currently bonding off view to the public in the giraffe barn. The baby giraffe will be on view next week to zoo visitors — weather permitting.
“This was the fastest birth Audrey has had,” said Michele Green, Curator of Mammals. “It was smooth and progressed well, and the calf stood up and was nursing in only two hours. Audrey is calm and this calf appears to be figuring things out very quickly. We couldn’t be happier for mom and baby.”
The calf had its first medical exam on Thursday. It weighs approximately 180 pounds and is 6-feet 1-inches tall.
The calf will be named by selecting one of four names by popular vote as part of a contest sponsored by the zoo and KEYT NewsChannel 3. To enter click here. The names selected by zoo giraffe keepers and supporters are Amirah, Makena, Nugget, and Quintin.
