SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Utah’s Hogle Zoo welcomed a male giraffe calf in the early morning hours of Jan. 26, marking a milestone for the zoo’s conservation efforts and delighting animal care staff who watched the newborn take his first wobbly steps, the zoo announced.
The 139-pound calf arrived at 1:38 a.m. to first-time mother Minka, an 8-year-old giraffe, and 5-year-old father Ja, according to the zoo. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall at birth, the young giraffe made his entrance in typical fashion — dropping several feet to the ground onto a specially padded area zoo staff had prepared in the African Savanna barn, the zoo said.
Animal care staff observed the calf quickly stand and begin walking, then nurse and stay close to his attentive mother, the zoo reported. During an initial health check, staff noted the calf appeared calm and curious as he began exploring his surroundings, according to the zoo…