'Our miracle baby': Ohio zoo celebrates birth of endangered Masai giraffe

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio is celebrating the arrival of a male Masai giraffe calf that was born Wednesday.

"With a fuzzy mane, unique spot pattern, enviable eyelashes, and long wobbly legs that have already supported excited “zoomies,” a male Masai giraffe calf was born on Wednesday at 2:45 p.m., the zoo said.

Born to mother, Zuri, the zoo said the birth of the calf marks an important achievement for the future of the endangered species.

We are always thrilled to welcome the birth of a giraffe," Shannon Borders, curator of the Zoo’s Heart of Africa region, said. "Twenty-two giraffes have been born at the Columbus Zoo over the course of our history, but this latest birth — our 23rd — is particularly special. We were heartbroken to lose Enzi, and this calf is such an amazing gift to us and to the future of all Masai giraffes. This little one is truly our miracle baby, and it warms our hearts that Enzi’s legacy continues to live on to have such a positive impact."

The zoo said Zuri is bonding with her calf as the calf slowly begins to be introduced to other herd members.

The care team continues to observe Zuri and her newborn very closely via camera monitors and reports that Zuri is being a great mother. After many good attempts, the calf stood, took a few steps, and was nursing shortly after birth.

The zoo's Animal Health and Animal Care teams have completed a wellness exam of the calf and said it seems to be healthy and well fed.

In 2019, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the Masai giraffe subspecies as endangered as the population has fallen by nearly 50% over the last three decades. There are estimated to be only 35,000 Masai giraffes remaining due to various factors, including habitat loss, civil unrest/military operations, poaching, and ecological changes, the zoo said.