Masai Giraffe "Miles" Born at the Houston Zoo Jan. 30 '09

Hes very tall and very cute and brand new. Early Friday morning, January 30 the Houston Zoo welcomed the birth of a bouncing baby boy Masai giraffe. He was born around 6:30 a.m. and by 7:50 a.m. he was standing on his own, said Houston Zoo Supervisor Laurie McGivern. Hes 69 and a half inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. Hes has all the appearances of a strong and healthy boy, said McGivern.

The as yet unnamed baby is being hand reared by Houston Zoo giraffe keepers. Noel is a gentle, attentive and good mother but doesnt make enough milk to nurse and raise her calves, said McGivern. So, the keeper staff will bottle feed the calf for at least six months, added McGivern. His primary keepers have a 24 hour watch and feeding schedule in place to ensure he gets the best care and attention. Initially the calfs diet will consist of bovine colostrum mixed with goats milk. But in a day or so we will switch to goats milk mixed with a little bit of water, said McGivern.

Noels newborn will be on view at the Houston Zoo giraffe exhibit. When the calf is in his barn stall Zoo guests can view him through the stall window at the rear of the giraffe exhibit, said McGivern. The staff will also be presenting Meet the Keeper Talks with the baby at various times during the day, added McGivern. Presentation times will vary. Zoo guests are encouraged to visit the Zoos Web site at www.houstonzoo.org for the Meet the Keeper Talk schedules at the giraffe exhibit.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• baby giraffe
• Houston Zoo
• Miles
• giraffe
• calf

[houstonzoo]

They really are very loving animals - almost like collosally big, sweet-natured horses.

[CallanDQ]

I. WANT. HER. JOB. <3 baby giraffe.

[eZwebmaniac]

@houstonzoo until they grow up and kick you in the face.

[ReconRaptor]

It looks like Adrian Brody.

[geddoe316]

she mentioned the vet came by in the morning and checked everything. sorry for my ignorance, but if animals are born, die, are generally cared for at a zoo, i would think most workers would need training to assess vitals. or uh...yeah i'm stupid

[primatepercussionist]

Awseome, you make a lovely couple, just kidding. Would love to meet him.

[thegh0ST505]

Aw.. i want to hug this baby boy.. too cute and so beautiful. Jus born and is alrdy standing at a height that i long for since i was twelve years old.

[Kaikumach]

She reminds me of Stephnie Weir

[redladderdallas]

why humans havent yet domesticated giraffes i will never undertand

[woohooboy]

He was born with measurements of 5ft 9 and weighing 110 pounds.....

To think models spend their whole life aspiring to this image, the giraffe is instantly bestowed with it! :)

[fairylucyb]

I'm so jealous I would like to be kissed by a baby giraffe.

[snowdrop137]

Soooo affectionate!!