News

Zoo Atlanta Welcomes New Baby Giraffe, NASCAR Drivers

ATLANTA,None — Zoo Atlanta is now home to a 6-foot tall bundle of joy.

The zoo's second giraffe calf born in its 122-year history and the first born to a giraffe named Mona, arrived Friday. Curator of mammals Rebecca Snyder says giraffes are among the most popular animals at Zoo Atlanta.

The calf weighs more than 100 pounds. Its father, Abu, is also the father of Zuri, born last July. Zuri is now 8-feet tall and weighs around 600 pounds.

Zoo Atlanta has released video and a photo of the new addition.

Channel 2 Action News Investigates

brightcove.createExperiences();

The giraffe gestation period is 15 months; one of the longest in the animal kingdom. Giraffes give birth standing up and their offspring are usually born front feet-first. They are able to walk within two hours of birth.

Zoo Atlanta has not announced when the newborn will be introduced to the public.

NASCAR Drivers Headed To Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta will welcome a trio of NASCAR drivers, too.

Justin Allgaier, Jason Leffler and Reed Sorenson are scheduled to be at Zoo Atlanta on Aug. 4. The three will be there to promote the upcoming Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept. 3.

Allgaier, Leffler and Sorenson will paint with Zoo Atlanta’s painting elephants. Kids will have the chance to pick the best painting, too.

They'll sign autographs for kids later in the day.

0