Norfolk, Va. – Virginia Zoo Keepers are delighted to welcome a newborn Masai female giraffe calf born on September 9, 2022. At birth, the baby weighed 122.5 pounds, and stood 6’ tall. This is the ninth calf for mom, Imara, and fifteenth for dad, Billy. Keepers have named the baby, Tisa, which means nine in Swahili to represent her unique birthday and the number of her mother’s births.
The arrival of the calf was also unique with Zoo visitors being able to experience the birth, which occurred that morning in the Zoo’s giraffe barn. Zoo’s Animal Care Staff had been preparing for the calf’s arrival although the exact due date is never certain. A neonatal exam was performed 24 hours after the birth by the Zoo’s Veterinarian, Dr. Tara Reilly, with the assistance of Keepers and Veterinary Technicians. The exam revealed the calf is healthy and full of personality! Mom and baby are bonding, and the calf is nursing well. She appears strong and is already learning to run!
This birth brings the herd total to five: females, Imara and her calf Tisa, Noelle and her calf Mchanga who was born in December and Billy. The breeding of Billy and Imara is based on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan® for Masai giraffes. Masai giraffes are currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, so the birth of this newest calf is especially important.
To celebrate the arrival of Tisa, the Zoo is offering a $9.99 digital giraffe Zoodoption special, where patrons can symbolically adopt the new calf until September 30! Those who purchase the digital Zoodoption special will be entered to win a “Sneak Peak” behind the scenes giraffe tour that features a meet and greet with the adopted animal and personal Q&A with the giraffe’s keeper. The digital Zoodoption special can be purchased at virginiazoo.org/zoodoptions. Proceeds from this special promotion will benefit enrichment items for the Zoo’s giraffe herd and the Zoo’s Act for Wildlife fund that supports conservation efforts locally and around the world.
About Masai Giraffe
Masai giraffe are the largest subspecies of giraffe and the tallest land mammal on Earth. They are native to Kenya and Tanzania and are characterized by their jagged spots. Males reach heights of up to 18 feet tall and females grow to 14 feet tall. Giraffes may bear one offspring after a 15-month gestation period. When a giraffe baby is born, it comes into the world front feet first, followed by the head, neck, and shoulders. Newborn giraffe can stand and walk within one hour of birth. They can also eat leaves at the age of four months but continue to nurse until they are 6 to 9 months old.
About the Virginia Zoo
The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 exceptional animals representing over 100 fascinating species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world’s wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in education, recreation, science, wildlife conservation, and animal care and welfare. For more than a century, the Zoo has connected adults, families and school children with the natural world and its wildlife. To learn more, visit www.virginiazoo.org.
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