ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Masai giraffe has been born at the Seneca Park Zoo for the second time this year, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced Tuesday.
Kipenzi, one of the zoo’s female Masai giraffes, gave birth on Tuesday to her first calf, which was announced on Wednesday to be a male.
On Wednesday, Bello and the zoo announced that the calf is receiving veterinary care for a leg tendon issue. The county executive’s office says that a splint was placed on the calf’s leg due to laxity in the tendons of his left front fetlock, causing the joint to bend outward and forward. According to Zoo Veterinarian Chris McKinney, the joint is expected to gain strength over the next few days so the splint can be removed. Officials say the calf was also has an umbilical hernia, which is a congenital abnormality.
Another female giraffe, Iggy, gave birth to a male calf, Olmsted, on April 29.
“The birth of a giraffe is a rare occurrence at zoos, so two in one year is a true gift for Seneca Park Zoo,” Bello said in a statement Tuesday. “So far, the calf is doing fine and is bonding with mother, Kipenzi. Thank you to our dedicated animal care and animal veterinary team for their around-the-clock care of our newest addition.”
The county executive says the zoo’s Animals of the Savanna exhibit will be closed beyond the rhino overlook over the next several days so that the giraffes are not disturbed during the bonding period between the mother and her calf.
“Despite the leg issue and hernia, the calf is otherwise healthy,” Bello said in a statement Wednesday. “He is nursing and has integrated well with the rest of the giraffe herd. But, we do know that baby giraffes have high mortality rates and the first few days and weeks are critical to the success of the birth. Zoo staff will continue monitoring baby and mom 24/7 to watch out for any unforeseen challenges.”
“We are hopeful, and we also know giraffe mortality rates are high,” Seneca Park Zoo Director Steve Lacy said in a statement. “The first few weeks of life are critical and can present challenges not seen at birth. Zoo staff will be monitoring baby and mom 24/7.”
Tram service has also been suspended, Bello says.
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