BROWNSVILLE — There’s a new arrival at the Gladys Porter Zoo that is eager to greet zoo goers.
Zoo officials announced the birth of a female baby giraffe that has yet to be named.
According to a GPZ press release, on April 12 zoo keepers noticed that Ann, the baby’s mom, was in labor. Keepers kept a close eye on her to ensure the labor was going well. About an hour later, they got a sight of a baby female giraffe that was already trying to stand up on its own.
“Mom and calf are doing great. Mom is exceptionally attentive to the calf as she is adapting well to the herd. She is very calm and is enjoying her new environment” said Sergio Perez, head keeper of Hoof Stock, after an exam from animal health staff and 8 and half weeks under the close eye of keepers and mother.
The gestation period for giraffes is around 14 to 15 months, which is one of the longest gestation periods in the animal kingdom, officials stated. At birth, calves stand at approximately 6 feet tall and are able to walk and run after only an hour.
“This is Ann’s 3rd calf born at the Gladys Porter Zoo, and we are very excited, especially since it is estimated that approximately 117,000 giraffes can be found in the wild today. Their population has dropped 30% since the 1980s. With World Giraffe Day just around the corner, which falls on June 21st, her birth came just in time to celebrate,” said Walter Dupree, mammal curator.
The GPZ has extended its hours for the summer. It is open daily, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Once on zoo grounds you can stay until dusk.
Regular admission for adults ages 14 – 64 is $14.00 children ages 2 – 13 pay $8.50 and seniors 65 and over receive a discounted admission of $11.00. Children, ages 1 and under are free. Group rates are available.
