St. Louis Zoo Welcomes Endangered Baby Giraffe

Baby Giraffe Arrives at St. Louis Zoo, Signaling Hope for Endangered SpeciesBaby Giraffe Arrives at St. Louis Zoo, Signaling Hope for Endangered Species St. Louis Zoo is thrilled to announce the recent arrival of an endangered baby giraffe, bringing new joy and hope to the institution and the conservation community. The baby giraffe, named “Zola,” was born on May 12th to mother, Bailey, and father, Kadeem. Weighing in at a healthy 155 pounds and standing nearly 6 feet tall, Zola is a testament to the zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation. Giraffes are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing severe threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. The St. Louis Zoo plays a vital role in preserving this iconic species through its participation in the Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP is a collaborative breeding program designed to maintain a genetically diverse and sustainable population of giraffes in captivity. The birth of Zola marks a significant success for the SSP and provides valuable genetic material for future generations. “We are overjoyed to welcome Zola to our zoo family,” said Lisa Smith, St. Louis Zoo Director of Animal Health. “Her birth is not only a celebration of new life but also a reminder of the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.” Zola is currently bonding with her mother in a private enclosure and will gradually be introduced to the public over the coming weeks. Visitors to the zoo can expect to see her frolicking with her mother and interacting with the other giraffes in the herd. The St. Louis Zoo is committed to raising awareness about the plight of endangered species and educating the public on ways they can help. By visiting the zoo, guests can learn about the importance of conservation and support the efforts to save giraffes and other threatened animals. The arrival of baby giraffe Zola is a symbol of hope for the future of this endangered species. The zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation and the support of the community will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that giraffes thrive for generations to come.