The Phoenix Zoo welcomed a female baby giraffe on Tuesday, September 12 (one week ago today). The little girl weighed in at approximately 150 pounds and is being extremely well-cared-for by her very protective mother, Sunshine.
This is Sunshine's first calf, and the two will remain in the giraffe barn until the calf is old enough to be introduced to other animals and go out on the Savanna. Once that happens, the Savanna will have its first giraffe calf since our reticulated giraffe, Makope, was born 12 years ago.
Sunshine is a four-year-old Masai giraffe, and arrived to the Zoo in 2014 as recommended by the Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan in order to breed with our eight-year-old male Masai giraffe, Miguu (pronounced Mee-goo). Miguu came to Phoenix in 2010 from the Los Angeles Zoo.
The calf does not yet have a name and is spending time bonding with mom in the giraffe barn, an off-exhibit area. It will be a few weeks before mom and baby are strolling the Savanna habitat, but we will be sure to post frequent updates about the baby on our social media channels and when to expect them to make an appearance.
Win a $15,000 home makeover from Living Spaces and 99.9 KEZ! Listen at NOON for a keyword to text to 96893. Text the word for a chance to be a finalist for a $15,000 home makeover! Weekdays at NOON through 9/29!