JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens welcomed a newborn Reticulated giraffe on Saturday, May 21. The baby female weighed 145 pounds and measured a lanky 5-foot-11.
This was the 38th giraffe calf born at the Zoo, a spokesperson for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens said. The calf's mom, Luna, has already had two baby giraffes and the father, Duke, has fathered 14 other babies.
“Luna is a great mom," said the zoo's mammal keeper LeShea Upchurch. "She is protective of her calf and the two spend a lot of time napping and nursing. We are all excited to see her grow and especially to introduce her to the rest of the herd.”
The name of the newest giraffe was auctioned at ExZOOberation, the zoo's annual fundraising gala, and will be announced soon, according to a spokesperson.
The mother-daughter duo will move to the primary exhibit for limited hours likely starting on Friday and going through Memorial Day weekend, zoo keepers said.
From Saturday, May 21 to Tuesday, May 31, up to three children (ages three to 12) get free general admission tickets with the purchase of one full-priced adult value ticket or general admission ticket.
