BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Zoo’s newest giraffe is no longer its newest giraffe after giving birth to a healthy female calf on March 27.
Kipepeo, the four year-old reticulated giraffe (giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) who arrived in Baltimore last November was not known to be pregnant. When keepers noticed a slight change in her behavior on March 26 they began monitoring Kipi, as she is called, who began labor and gave birth in the early morning of the 27th.
“Gestation for reticulated giraffe is around 450 days so Kipi was pregnant when she arrived in Baltimore,” said Erin Cantwell Grimm, Mammal Curator at the Maryland Zoo. “We’re keeping a close eye on the calf to make sure she hits her growth milestones and, so far, we like what we’re seeing.”
The new calf, which has yet to be named, is 58 kilograms and approximately 6 feet tall. She is nursing well and Kipi is being a great first-time mother.
There was no record of Kipi breeding before she was transferred to Maryland and giraffe tend not to visibly show when they’re pregnant due to their large body size. Often, a fecal hormone analysis is needed to detect a pregnancy.
Maryland Zoo’s male giraffe and okapi (okapia johnstoni) will be visible in their outside habitats but the interior of the Giraffe House will be closed for the time being to give the new mother and her calf time to bond.
Support the Calf
The arrival of the calf is a joyful and exciting moment at the Zoo — but because her birth was unexpected, it’s brought along some unplanned expenses. This spring, we invite you to make a gift in honor of our surprise bundle of joy. Your support will help ensure both mom and baby receive the expert care they need during this critical time.
Limited Edition Giraffe Mom and Calf Adoption
100% of proceeds from each adoption package supports animal care, education programs, and wildlife conservation for endangered and threatened species. Each package includes:
- Giraffe mom and calf plush keepsake
- Two (2) one-time-use Zoo tickets valid for one year
- Personalized Official Animal Adoption Certificate
- A giraffe fun fact sheet
- A frameable 4×6 photo of giraffe Kipi and her calf
- Free shipping & handling
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