On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced the birth of a male giraffe calf—born Friday, Aug. 15, at approximately 8:30 a.m.

The calf is the newest addition to the Zoo’s giraffe herd and a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to conserve this vulnerable species. The giraffe population has decreased by nearly 40% in the last 30 years. 

The calf was born to 14-year-old mother Tuli, who came to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo from the Toledo Zoo last year. The calf’s father lives at the Toledo Zoo.

the newborn will remain out of public view to allow for critical bonding time with mom and to acclimate gradually to the rest of the giraffe herd, a male and three females.Tuli has a special Cleveland connection—her mother, Elvira, was born at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in 2003. 

The newborn will remain out of public view for now, to allow for critical bonding time with mom and to gradually acclimate him to the rest of the giraffe herd, a male and three females. This early bonding period is important to nurturing the calf’s health and development.

“We’re excited to welcome this new addition to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and continue our commitment to the care and conservation of giraffes,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar in a statement. “Every birth is an important step in driving awareness of the conservation issues facing the species, collectively working with our colleagues and partners on a global scale to save them from extinction.”

Stay tuned for the calf’s public debut and an opportunity to help name him and support giraffe conservation efforts in the wild.

Make a donation to the Giraffe Conservation Fund.