The Metro Richmond Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a female Reticulated giraffe born on May 9, 2026, just one day before Mother’s Day. The calf was born to 14-year-old mother Chrissy and 9-year-old father Bogey after a 15-month gestation. The remarkable birth was witnessed by zoo staff and guests yesterday morning.
This Mother’s Day, we are celebrating Chrissy and all the incredible animal and human moms. Thank you for your love, strength, and care.
Chrissy has a special story of her own. Born at the zoo in 2011, she was bottle-fed by zoo staff as a calf due to maternal neglect. As you might imagine, bottle-feeding an animal taller than you is a unique challenge, but our efforts were successful. Chrissy grew into a healthy giraffe, integrated into the herd, and has now welcomed her third calf. Chrissy is protective, nurturing, and very comfortable around her caretakers.
Compared to other female giraffes in our herd, Chrissy is known for her quick deliveries. At 9:58 AM, staff confirmed active labor when the calf’s front hooves became visible. Giraffes give birth standing up, with the calf emerging front feet first, followed by the head, neck, and shoulders, before dropping 6 feet to the ground. While dramatic to witness, the fall is completely natural and helps sever the umbilical cord while stimulating the baby’s first breath. The calf was successfully delivered at 10:25 AM.
The zoo’s animal care team had been monitoring Chrissy throughout her pregnancy. Typically, giraffes at the zoo give birth inside a private birthing stall for the comfort and safety of mom and baby. However, once active labor began, it became clear that Chrissy would deliver outside, in front of zoo guests. Our staff quickly adjusted to make her experience as comfortable as possible. Chrissy’s previous calf, Clover, watched the delivery from a nearby space and remained close to comfort her mother. Clover was immediately curious about her new sister and could see, smell, and lick the calf.
Giraffe calves are born standing nearly 6 feet tall and weighing around 150 – 175 pounds. The calf stood for the first time at 11:27 AM, just over one hour after birth. She is nursing and exploring the world on her new, wobbly legs. By the time she reaches one year of age, she will nearly double her current height.
Chrissy and her baby will be visible outside most days, weather permitting. As the calf gets older, she will be introduced to the giraffe herd and the larger habitat. The calf has not yet been named. Guests can share their name suggestions in the comments on the zoo’s social media posts.
The Reticulated giraffe is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, so each birth is important. This giraffe species has experienced a 56% population decline over the last 30 years in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. This is the 24th giraffe calf born at the Metro Richmond Zoo since 2000.
