The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has welcomed a new baby giraffe. The male giraffe calf was born August 15 at approximately 8:30 a.m. The calf is the newest addition to the Zoo’s giraffe herd and a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to conserve this vulnerable species.
The calf was born to 14-year-old mother Tuli, who came to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo from the Toledo Zoo last year. The father of the calf currently resides at the Toledo Zoo. Tuli has a special Cleveland connection—her mother, Elvira, was born at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in 2003.
At this time, the newborn will remain off public view to allow for critical bonding time with mom and to acclimate gradually to the rest of the giraffe herd, a male and three females. This early bonding period is important to nurturing the calf’s health and development.
“We’re excited to welcome this new addition to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and continue our commitment to the care and conservation of giraffes,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar. “Every birth is an important step in driving awareness of the conservation issues facing the species, collectively working with our colleagues and partners on a global scale to save them from extinction.”
Guests can stay tuned in the coming days for the calf’s public debut and as well as an opportunity to help name him and support giraffe conservation efforts in the wild.
