Fort Worth Zoo
Imagine you were told a new-born baby already weighed in at 165 pounds and measured over six feet tall 19 days after their birth. Needless to say, this news would cause a few folks to raise an eyebrow in disbelief. However, this is the actual weight and height of a new baby giraffe born on January 1st at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Fort Worth Zoo
This new addition to the Zoo family was made public on Thursday, when Zoo officials posted a video of their new baby boy giraffe on social media platforms to announce his birth. Due to the timing of his arrival, this calf has been dubbed Korbel, a moniker inspired by the California Champagne of the same name people usually celebrate New Year’s with.
Oh, we get it.
Currently, this long-necked new-born is bonding well with his mother, Corrie, as well as other members of his herd while staying warm in the barn behind the Giraffe exhibit on Zoo grounds.
A post on Facebook states:
“It is still too cold for Korbel to be outside, so he will stay in the barn for now. This has given him many opportunities to interact with enrichment. He is particularly fond of grapevine wreaths and a hanging mirror, where he catches glimpses of himself. Stay tuned for more information on Korbel and when he will make his public debut!”
This announcement comes nine days after the zoo revealed the birth of a baby lion cub named Moja (pronounced mow-jah). However, unlike baby Korbel, Moja’s birth was kept a secret by zoo officials for months, given he was born Oct. 20, 2023 to mother Saba and father Jabulani. And like Korbel, Moja is spending quality time behind the scenes growing and bonding with his Mom, while zoo keepers keep a close eye on his development and wellbeing.
Also, just like Korbel, Fort Worthians will have to wait to catch a glimpse of Moja until zoo officials determine he’s ready for the spotlight. So, for all you animal fans out there, keep an eye on the Zoo’s social media accounts for any such announcements.
