The Seneca Park Zoo is celebrating the birth of another Masai giraffe.
Staff members say the new baby was born on Wednesday to mother Kipenzi. The father, Parker, died earlier this year, according to the zoo.
The zoo says this is the third Masai giraffe born at the zoo, but they do not yet know the baby's gender.
"The calf appears to be nursing well, is walking normally, and is energetic," said Dr. Chris McKinney, zoo veterinarian. "We will perform the full “new calf” evaluation once mom and calf have had some time to bond.” McKinney continues, “It is important to remember that these first weeks are a delicate time for the calf so we will be monitoring baby and mom closely.”
The mother giraffe, Kipenzi, is currently being treated for a cancerous growth on her jaw, the zoo says. Staff members say she continues to eat well behave normally and allow care teams to tend to her. She is being monitored closely.
According to zoo officials, the Animals of the Savanna building will be closed for a few days so that Kipenzi and her calf can continue to bond.
The Zoo’s other female Masai giraffe, Iggy, is also pregnant and in her delivery window.