57th Giraffe Born at Zoo Miami

On August 23, 2022, “Sabra,” a nearly 12-year-old giraffe, gave birth to a female calf at Zoo Miami. The following morning, staff members were able to quickly separate mother and calf so that a neonatal exam could be performed. Neonatal exams are part of a preventative medicine program directed by the zoo’s Animal Health Department in conjunction with the Animal Science Department. The exams allow the staff to perform close, hands-on examinations of the newborn to confirm the sex and weight, collect blood, inspect and clean the umbilicus, do general eye and ear exams, inject vitamins, and insert an identification transponder in addition to an overall assessment of general body condition.

The calf, standing at over five feet tall and weighing approximately 120lbs at birth, appeared to be in good health and was quickly returned to her mother in an offexhibit area. After spending a week off-exhibit to properly bond, the calf made her exhibit debut on August 30! Sabra was attentive but allowed her calf to venture toward the other individuals in the herd and she was greeted by curiosity, along with smells and licks from most of them. The calf appears to be doing well and she is now fully integrated into the herd of nine.

photos by Ron Magill