Jacksonville Zoo announces birth of new giraffe

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced a new addition to its park Tuesday and he is already taller than most humans.

A male reticulated giraffe calf was born Sunday morning, marking the 40th giraffe born at the zoo.

Zookeepers arrived to find the giraffe with his mother, Naomi, and the rest of the herd. The calf was standing and nursing. 

The “little” guy was measured at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 191 pounds, the exact same height as his brother, Newton, born in June 2016. The veterinary staff said the calf was in good health.

The zoo said after a couple of trial days in the side yard of the giraffe exhibit, the calf and mother will join the rest of the herd.

The calf doesn't have a name yet, but judging by how cute he is, it won’t be too long. 

The zoo will be open on Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children receive free admission to the zoo through the end of November with the purchase of an adult ticket as part of the Kids Free November promotion.