Say hello to Nashville's new baby giraffe!

[Tanuki]

https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/fifth-masai-giraffe-born-at-nashville-zoo
"
Nashville Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a male Masai giraffe. The calf was born February 10, weighing 163 lbs. and standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall. Mother, Margarita and calf are doing well and are currently off exhibit in the Zoo’s giraffe barn. This is Margarita’s fifth calf and second male to be born at the Zoo.

“Margarita is a proven and successful mom for her calves, and this calf was no exception,” said Greg Peccie, Director of Animal Operations. “Once the calf was on the ground, she placed her legs around the calf to help support him in his attempts to stand. The calf was standing with mom about an hour after he was born and proceeded to nurse almost instantly.”

The Zoo’s giraffe keepers have chosen the name Mazi (pronounced MAH-zee) for the newest addition. Mazi, which is short for Mazingira Magumu, is Swahili meaning “vulnerable,” a conservation term recently given to giraffes by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
.......

Masai giraffes (Giraffa tippelskirchi) are a species of giraffe known for their vine-leaf shaped spot pattern. They are native to the savannas of Kenya and Tanzania in Africa. The wild population has seen a 40% decline since 1985 due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and illegal hunting. Nashville Zoo is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Giraffe Species Survival Plan that contributes to the genetic preservation of the species across the nation.

Nashville Zoo’s 1.5 acre Giraffe Savannah opened in April 2006 thanks to hundreds of supporters who contributed to the Zoo’s “Stick Your Neck Out” campaign." (More at link)

[procon]

1. Oh, he's a cutie! nt

[raven mad]

2. Hi, Mazi!

You bring a terrific light to this old, dark world - mama Margarita, you do good work!

[eppur_se_muova]

3. 163 lbs, 6'3" -- imagine reading that on a birth announcement ! nt