El Paso Zoo Celebrates Arrival of Adorable Baby Boy Giraffe

The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens have welcomed a new addition to their family- a healthy baby boy giraffe!

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The calf's mother, Gigi, gave birth to the bouncing baby boy in around 9:00 p.m. on April 19th, 2023.

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The baby weighed in at a whopping 110 pounds and was over 6 feet tall. Zoo staff were on hand to help ensure a safe and successful delivery for the mom and baby. The father giraffe, Juma, was also there to ensure mama and baby were well cared for during the birth.

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This is the first time that a giraffe has been born at the zoo, marking a significant event for both the El Paso Zoo and the overall giraffe population according to El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano. Montisano explained to KTSM News:

"In the last 30 years, the giraffe population in Africa has declined by more than 40% to approximately 100,000 animals. Giraffes are now extinct in seven African countries and all giraffe species are critically endangered...Mom and baby appear to be doing great and the zoo couldn't be more excited!"

The zoo also announced that the public will be allowed to help name the new addition to the zoo family, so follow the El Paso Zoo on Instagram to see when that announcement is made. You can also follow the zoo to watch the baby giraffe as he continues to grow up.