Photo: Zoo New England
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing some 184 pounds, the Masai giraffe made it's exhibit debut Wednesday at the zoo's Giraffe Savannah at just over a month old. Born on July 14 to mother, Amari, and father, Chad, the little one still needs a name. The Zoo has decided to hold an online silent auction starting Aug. 16 through Aug. 27 to name the calf. All proceeds of the virtual auction will go directly towards the care of the giraffe family.
Right now, baby and mom are in a separate enclosure from dad. The separation will give the calf more time to acclimate to it's new home and bond with it's mother. This isn't the first baby for Amari and Chad, who's first child, Alika, now lives at the Kansas City Zoo.
Zoo New England said the birth isn't just exciting for them, but a significant milestone in ongoing conservation efforts around the world. Zoo New England is currently a member of the Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP), a network of zoos and facilities that share knowledge and research to further the health of captive animals and battle against extinction.