African Masai Giraffe Calf Born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Highlights Wildlife Conservation Effort

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomed a male giraffe calf born Sunday, August 6, 2017, weighing approximately 160 pounds and standing over 6 feet tall. This is the 48th calf born at the Zoo. 

Both baby and mom, Jhasmin, are doing well. This is her second calf; her first calf, Adia, resides at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. 

In order to stimulate the mother-calf bond, Jhasmin and the calf will be off exhibit for a period of time. The veterinary team will monitor the health of the calf and the development of the bond to determine when guests can meet them. 

"With the addition of this new calf, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is now home to five Masai Giraffe," said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Christopher Kuhar, PhD. "We invite guests to hand-feed giraffes at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter and learn how to take action to secure a future for their counterparts in the wild." 

The current giraffe population globally is estimated to be less than 80,000. Surprisingly, their numbers are declining across Africa - the population has decreased by nearly 40% in the last 15 years.  

Stay tuned to our social media accounts to learn how guests can support giraffe conservation efforts, as well as help name the newest addition to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. 

The University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Zoo Babies Program in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates the birth of the giraffe calf. 

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO 
Since 1995, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has contributed more than $6 million to wildlife conservation efforts in partnership with Cleveland Zoological Society. Each year the Zoo contributes more than $600,000 annually to conservation programs, the vast majority come from community donations. While visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, guests can take action to secure a future for wildlife. Visitors can donate through 'Quarters for Conservation,' 'round-up' for conservation programs at Zoo retail locations and donate to the Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Fund. To learn more or join our conservation community, visit futureforwildlife.org. 
 
Cleveland Metroparks Media Contact: 
Director of Communications, Jacqueline Gerling, 216-635-3338