Giraffe calf born at Living Desert in Palm Desert

There is a new addition to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens' giraffe family!

First-time mom, Vicki Lou, and dad, Kelley, welcomed a healthy female calf into the world on Monday. Zoo officials said that within just an hour of her arrival, she stood tall and began nursing successfully.

The mom and calf are bonding well in the behind-the-scenes barn and are being attentively looked after by the zoo's dedicated animal care team. They will remain behind the scenes for a few weeks before joining the herd on habitat.

In a few weeks, the female giraffe calf will join the herd of 10 giraffes in the zoo's habitat.

The calf will serve as an ambassador for her species, continuing The Living Desert’s mission and spreading awareness about the importance of desert conservation.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists giraffes as vulnerable. Populations have declined up to 40% over the last 30 years. With roughly 100,000 remaining, zoo officials say conservation is crucial.

Zoo officials said giraffes are threatened by habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching, and ecological changes

The Living Desert has long-standing partnerships with the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit and their education partner project, the Bush Babies Environmental Program as well as the Wild Nature Institute to protect giraffes, preserve their natural habitats, and increase research and conservation education.

Stay with News Channel 3 as we learn more about the zoo's giraffe calf, including what her name will be!

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