Baby giraffe is loved on by mom, Ruby. Photo submitted
Special to the News
The Birmingham Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy female giraffe born to mother Ruby and father Jalil.
The baby reticulated giraffe was born on April 17 at 12:19 a.m. This adorable newcomer marks a significant milestone for the zoo’s Trails of Africa section, expanding the giraffe herd from four to five members.
The birth of the baby giraffe is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Birmingham Zoo’s animal care team, who have been diligently monitoring Ruby’s pregnancy and ensuring her health and well-being throughout her pregnancy.
Ruby is a 4-year-old reticulated giraffe (May 3, 2019) and has been at the Birmingham Zoo since 2022. This is her first time to become a mother, and she is doing well with her new baby.
Jalil, the father, is 17 (May 9, 2006) and has been at the zoo since 2007. This pairing is the result of a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative management program that ensures healthy, sustainable populations in AZA zoos.
“We are overjoyed to welcome this beautiful baby giraffe to our zoo family,” said Chris Pfefferkorn, CEO and president of the Birmingham Zoo. “Giraffe populations in the wild are declining, and the birth of this giraffe is another step in the zoo’s work to help with the conservation of giraffes.”
The last baby giraffe born at the Birmingham Zoo was 10 years ago in 2014.
Mother and calf are currently bonding behind the scenes, but guests visiting the Birmingham Zoo may have the opportunity to catch glimpses of the adorable calf as it explores its new home. The baby giraffe, which will be named in the near future, will spend time in the giraffe barn, as well as in the yard in the coming weeks.
The Birmingham Zoo extends its gratitude to the community for their continued support and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation efforts. The birth of this baby giraffe serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting species for future generations to enjoy.
For more information about the Birmingham Zoo and its conservation initiatives, please visit www.birminghamzoo.com.
