Masai Giraffe Born at the Houston Zoo - Jan. 30, 2009

Hes very tall and very cute and brand new. Early Friday morning, January 30 the Houston Zoo welcomed the birth of a bouncing baby boy Masai giraffe. He was born around 6:30 a.m. and by 7:50 a.m. he was standing on his own, said Houston Zoo Supervisor Laurie McGivern. Hes 69 and a half inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. Hes has all the appearances of a strong and healthy boy, said McGivern.

The as yet unnamed baby is being hand reared by Houston Zoo giraffe keepers. Noel is a gentle, attentive and good mother but doesnt make enough milk to nurse and raise her calves, said McGivern. So, the keeper staff will bottle feed the calf for at least six months, added McGivern. His primary keepers have a 24 hour watch and feeding schedule in place to ensure he gets the best care and attention. Initially the calfs diet will consist of bovine colostrum mixed with goats milk. But in a day or so we will switch to goats milk mixed with a little bit of water, said McGivern.

Noels newborn will be on view at the Houston Zoo giraffe exhibit. When the calf is in his barn stall Zoo guests can view him through the stall window at the rear of the giraffe exhibit, said McGivern. The staff will also be presenting Meet the Keeper Talks with the baby at various times during the day, added McGivern. Presentation times will vary. Zoo guests are encouraged to visit the Zoos Web site at www.houstonzoo.org for the Meet the Keeper Talk schedules at the giraffe exhibit.