Como Zoo is excited to welcome a new baby giraffe to its herd. Coming into the world at over six feet, the baby is standing tall with mother Clover shadowing over him.
The new baby male, born Tuesday, September 10th at 7:30pm, is the 8th calf born to Clover and the 23rd giraffe birth at Como Zoo in the last 25 years. The yet-to-be named male weighs 160 pounds (Clover’s largest to date) and stands 6’ 4” tall. Como’s current herd currently consists of Clover, Daisy, Skeeter (father), Penelope, and the new male. This is Skeeter’s 7th offspring, 5 of which have been female.
The photo of Clover giving birth was quite the social media sensation as many visitors gathered around the exhibit late in the afternoon on September 10th snapping photos of the hoofs starting to emerge from Clover. A few hours later, with Clover inside her bedroom, she gave birth onto a special straw bed that zookeepers prepared for the birth.
The baby will likely make his public debut next week, allowing time for Clover and her baby to bond behind-the-scenes.
The giraffe is the tallest of all land-living animal species. They can be as tall as 18 feet tall and have a prehensile (used for grasping) tongue as long as 18 inches. During the first two years of a giraffe’s life, it doubles in height, often standing over 12-feet tall. Giraffe gestation lasts between 14 and 15 months, after which a single calf is born. Like human fingerprints, the markings or spots of a giraffe’s coat are unique to each individual. Reticulated giraffes are native to the dry savannahs and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.
Como Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous, professional standards for animal welfare and management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing and more. With only 200 accredited members, AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement and is your link to helping animals in their native habitats.
He is gorgeous So happy both are doing well Congratulations awesome newd
What a beautiful boy!
Did Violet get moved we were there a few weeks ago and were told Violet was still there.
Violet is currently in Nebraska. Penelope is the other newborn giraffe.
Sell the naming rights on eBay as a fundraiser and publicize it. The Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA does this quite successfully.
What a Beauty!
Your work is amazing. My 55th birthday today! When I was small, I remember my dad bringing us to Como. There was Sparky, of course. And the bear caves. I remember the old Tiger and Lion cages. And the big snake in the inside of the same building. Eeeewwwweeee! The building where much of the history of Como Zoo is displayed! In the guest services building! (Before it was redone and added to. You barely can tell it’s the same space…. I have a much better appreciation for those snakes today. But growing up with Como helped me learn a lot about many different species, and bringing my kids there while they were growing so they learned too, so many wonderful memories at that wonderful place. And watching the growth and changes over the years. Things going from cages to enclosures to habitats. To now, where almost everything is animal-centric. It’s been wonderful to see all the transformations over the years….. And now, in the blink of an eye, we are 25 years past getting licked by the brand new giraffes at Como, the first week of the exhibit! And over this last winter, I brought my now 2 year old grandson to the Conservatory to see the sea of Poinsettia. Thanks Como. Keep it up. You are TRULY a gem atop the crown of the Twin Cities!!!
Absolutely wonderful is how I feel after reading this. Working with these animals would be a dream come true. Thank you to all who take care of the animals making all this possible.
This is mid September in MN. Will the new baby be able to experience any outside time before it is too cold for them?
I think his name should be Thistle.
I was wondering how tall his Mom is. He looks short compared to her.
Love the Como Zoo!!! Little giraffe is so adorable!!!
I think his name should be ‘Sage’ like the spice.
My friend Georgia LOVES everything giraffe!! Her house and yard and life is full to the top with them! She is named after her father, George. If there is a naming contest I would LOVE to suggest George…or better yet, Prince George! Georgia is an Education Assistant in the Forest Lake school district. She also spends so many hours assisting her 89 year old mother by helping her stay involved and active at the YMCA and at community and family events. The girl is dedicated. We met when we I was 7 years old and she was 6. As the busy busy years go by she has been RELENTLESS about reaching out to me to keep our friendship alive and well. Georgia is a champion! I love her so much. I hope you can consider naming your brand new baby after her. Thanks for considering. xoxoxo
He looks like an Otis to me. Just saying…
I think the beautiful giraffe should be called “Perry” after all it is the Como park, and if I’m honest Perry Como is my all time favourite singer .
What happened to Prince? Was he sent to another zoo?
Prince has moved to another Zoo!
Would love to see him named “Birthday Boy”. My granddaughter’s chosen ‘birthday mission’ last weekend was go to the zoo hopefully to see the new baby giraffe!! She can hardly wait ‘til he’s able to meet all of his new friends!!!