Detroit Zoo Welcomes New Healthy Baby Giraffe

ROYAL OAK, MI — The Detroit Zoo welcomed a new healthy baby giraffe over the weekend.

Zoo officials announced Zara, a 7-year-old giraffe, gave birth to a healthy newborn female calf at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

The calf joins dad Jabari (a 17-year-old who has called the Detroit Zoo home since 2008) and other giraffes Zara, Kivuli and Mpenzi.

"This adorable little one is already standing strong, nursing well, and hitting all her important early milestones," zoo officials said. "Both Mom and calf are doing great!"

Zoo officials said the giraffe building will remain temporarily closed to give Zara and her calf time to bond. They said a name reveal will come at a later date.

"Wild giraffe populations face serious threats, and we’re proud that the giraffes at the Detroit Zoo serve as ambassadors for their cousins in the wild," zoo officials said.