INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo family has grown by one.
A male reticulated giraffe was born at the zoo on Sunday, Nov. 8.
The calf weighed 137 pounds and stood six feet tall at birth. He is already growing and will be several feet taller by his first birthday, according to the Zoo.
The newborn is the first calf for 3-year-old mother Kita.
Zookeepers said the calf is curious, following close behind mom, and nursing well. The other members of the herd have shown interest in interacting, even licking the calf through the stall fence.
Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, giraffes have a beautiful coat of brown spots that helps provide camouflage on the plains. While every giraffe’s pattern is unique, the calf currently takes after his father, 10-year-old Majani, with his lighter, caramel-colored patches.
The Zoo will hold a public naming contest on social media sometime soon.
