In an exciting announcement, the Los Angeles Zoo has proudly announced the arrival of a male Masai giraffe calf to its herd. The still-unnamed calf, weighing 174 pounds and measuring six feet and four inches tall, was born to Zainabu, a 12-year-old female giraffe, and Philip, an 11-year-old male giraffe.

The zoo officials expressed their joy at the safe and healthy delivery of the newest member of their giraffe family. Mike Bona, an animal keeper at the L.A. Zoo, stated, "We were happy to have a safe and healthy delivery of the newest arrival to our giraffe herd. He was standing, walking, and nursing within 90 minutes after birth!"

The gestation period for female giraffes typically lasts around 15 months, culminating in the birth of a single calf. During its first year, the calf will grow approximately three feet, reaching its full height by the age of 5 or 7, according to the zoo's experts.

The Masai giraffe, the largest giraffe species and the tallest land mammal, can grow up to an impressive 18 feet tall and weigh around 2,700 pounds. Unfortunately, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the Masai giraffes as endangered, citing a 50% decline in their population over the last 30 years.

The decline in the population of Masai giraffes is primarily attributed to habitat loss and illegal hunting. They are often poached for various purposes, including their meat and products made from their tail hair, hide, and bones, as highlighted in a news release from the L.A. Zoo.

Native to central and southern Kenya and Tanzania in Africa, the Masai giraffes are a beloved attraction at the Los Angeles Zoo. Visitors are invited to the zoo's Africa section to see the adorable calf and the rest of the giraffe herd, depending on weather conditions.

The Los Angeles Zoo's newest addition to its Masai giraffe herd is a positive step towards raising awareness about the endangered status of these majestic creatures and promoting their conservation in the wild.

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