St. Louis Zoo Welcomes New Baby Giraffe

St. Louis Zoo Celebrates the Arrival of a Graceful Giraffe CalfSt. Louis Zoo Celebrates the Arrival of a Graceful Giraffe Calf The St. Louis Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a beautiful baby giraffe! The long-awaited arrival occurred on May 2nd, 2023, under the watchful eyes of experienced keepers and a devoted mother, Shaba. Measuring an impressive 6 feet tall at birth, the female calf has been named “Zuri,” which means “good” or “beautiful” in Swahili. She boasts a striking pattern of brown spots on her coat, a testament to her Masai giraffe heritage. Shaba, the experienced mother, has been attentively caring for her newborn, nursing her regularly and protecting her from the curious gaze of visitors. Zoo officials report that both mother and calf are healthy and bonding well. The addition of Zuri to the St. Louis Zoo’s giraffe herd marks a significant milestone in the conservation efforts of this endangered species. Masai giraffes are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasizing the importance of Zuri’s birth. Zuri is currently spending time behind the scenes with her mother, allowing them to establish a strong bond. Once she has gained sufficient strength and confidence, she will be introduced to the rest of the giraffe herd and the public. “We are overjoyed to welcome Zuri to our zoo family,” said Dr. Jeffrey Bonner, Director of Animal Health at the St. Louis Zoo. “Her birth is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care team, and we look forward to watching her grow and thrive.” Visitors to the St. Louis Zoo are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the graceful Zuri. The Zoo encourages guests to check its website and social media channels for updates on her progress and the anticipated date of her public debut.