Following months of anticipation the Abilene Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a healthy male giraffe calf to first time mom Punk on Saturday September 10th. “Labor started at about 3:00pm and the calf arrived at 4:56pm” said Zoo Director Bill Gersonde. The calf stood and began nursing approximately one hour later. Zoo staff were on hand to assist if necessary but labor and delivery occurred without complication in an off exhibit yard in the zoo’s new Giraffe Safari.
“We have Punk and the baby separate from the herd allowing the opportunity for mom and calf to bond. If all goes as planned the baby will receive its first physical on Monday or Tuesday.” says Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Carle. Once zoo staff determine that mother and calf have bonded they will slowly introduce them to the other females and youngster Kito and then finally to the father Mesi. No date has been set for when the baby will make its public debut. “It depends on how introductions to the other giraffe go. We’ll have a better idea of when baby is ready to go into the exhibit after we observe him and the other giraffe while they become familiar with each other” said Carle.
This birth was the result of a breeding recommendation made by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Giraffe Specie Survival Plans.
(News release from the Abilene Zoo)
