Baby Giraffe Born at Kansas City Zoo 'Already Stands 5 Feet 6 Inches Tall': 'Welcome to the Herd'

The female Masai giraffe "weighs in at approximately 125 pounds," the zoo said

Baby Giraffe Born at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: 'Welcome to the Herd'
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium's new baby giraffe. Photo:

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium/Facebook

A baby giraffe has been welcomed "to the herd" at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

On Sunday, June 30, a female Masai giraffe was born at the Missouri-based establishment to mom Makali and dad Aidan, the zoo said in a post shared on Facebook.

"The calf weighs in at approximately 125 pounds and already stands 5 feet 6 inches tall," the zoo wrote. "A neonatal exam has been performed and showed that the calf is in good health."

"Right now, she is bonding with her mom behind the scenes and will soon be meeting her herd mates one by one," the attraction added.

According to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, the unnamed newborn and her parents are joined by other members of the location's herd, including 4-year-old Chandy and 2-year-old Alika.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Baby Giraffe Born at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: 'Welcome to the Herd'
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium's new baby giraffe.

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium/Facebook

Earlier this week, the zoo shared an update on Facebook, in which the newborn calf could be seen bonding with another giraffe.

"Baby's first friend," the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium wrote in its caption, sharing a photograph of the infant animal with Chandy.

The establishment said it "will be a while before this adorable girl makes her public debut." The zoo added that it will keep fans updated on any developments on its social media pages, including what they decide to name the newborn.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Masai giraffe are currently listed as an endangered species.

"Over the past 35 years, giraffe numbers have decreased by nearly 30 percent," the zoo said, noting how they work with the Save Giraffes Now organization to "ensure a safe future for the giraffe species."

Related Articles