Mission Statement
Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 22309 Indianapolis, IN 46222.0309
The Indianapolis Zoo
empowers people and
communities, both
locally and globally,
to advance animal
conservation.
317.630.2001 ph
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 27, 2016
Giraffe Calf is the First Zoo Baby of the New Year
Adventurous newborn already stands taller than 6 feet
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo’s newest arrival is not quite 3 weeks old, yet he already
stands as tall as an NBA point guard.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 9, the Zoo welcomed the birth of a male reticulated giraffe,
the first for the Zoo since 2011. The calf weighed 158 pounds and stood about 6 feet tall at
birth; however, he is already growing and will be several feet taller before his first birthday.
Media Contacts
Judy Palermo
PR Senior Manager
317-630-2010
[email protected]
Carla Knapp
PR Specialist
317-630-3257
[email protected]
Melanie Laurendine
Conservation PR Specialist
317-630-3265
[email protected]
The newborn is the sixth calf — all males — for 18-year-old mother Takasa. Following a 15month pregnancy, female giraffes give birth standing up. While their arrival into the world is
somewhat abrupt, newborn giraffes are extremely resilient and are typically up on their feet in
less than an hour. The Zoo’s spirited newcomer stood up and began nursing soon after birth.
Zookeepers said the calf is also curious and adventurous, exploring his surroundings though
never venturing too far from his watchful mom.
The tallest land mammals on the planet, giraffes are distinguished by their long, slender necks.
While this striking physical feature is unlike anything else in nature, surprisingly, a giraffe’s
neck is structurally similar to a human’s, as both contain seven cervical vertebrae.
Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, giraffes bear a beautiful coat of brown spots that helps provide
camouflage on the arid plains. While every giraffe’s pattern is unique, the Zoo’s youngster
currently takes after his first-time father, 5-year-old Majani, with his coloration. Both have
lighter, caramel-colored patches compared to Takasa’s darker, cinnamon-colored spots.
Like all of the Zoo’s animals, this newborn will be an ambassador and help to raise awareness
for conservation of the species, as certain populations of giraffes are in decline in the wild due
to poaching and armed conflicts across parts of Africa.
The Zoo’s giraffe herd, which is now up to four, will remain inside its climate-controlled indoor
facility throughout the winter. The new family is expected to make its debut in the spring, and
at that time, guests will have an opportunity to meet members of the herd up close during
public feeds. The giraffe exhibit and feedings are presented by Meijer.
Yet even before guests have the chance to see the newcomer, they can help choose his name
through a poll on the Zoo’s Facebook page. Additional details will be announced soon.
Indianapolis Zoo babies are presented by Hendricks Regional Health.
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About the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance
animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is
accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of
Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com