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CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomed its newest four-legged resident late last week.
A giraffe calf was born at the zoo around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 15, zoo officials confirmed early Wednesday morning.
The baby was born to 14-year-old mom Tuli, who came to Cleveland from the Toledo Zoo last year. Tuli’s mother, Elvira, was born at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in 2003.
The newborn’s father still resides in Toledo.
According to zoo officials, the calf marks an important milestone in ongoing giraffe conservation efforts.
“We’re excited to welcome this new addition to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and continue our commitment to the care and conservation of giraffes,” Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar said in a release. “Every birth is an important step in driving awareness of the conservation issues facing the species, collectively working with our colleagues and partners on a global scale to save them from extinction.”
Guests hoping to see the new baby will have to wait a little longer. Experts said the calf is spending critical bonding time with his mother before being acclimated to the rest of the herd.
“This early bonding period is important to nurturing the calf’s health and development,” the release said.
The zoo will announce the baby’s public debut, as well as a naming poll, in the coming days.
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Jordan Unger
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