It's a boy! Giraffe born at Brevard Zoo

MELBOURNE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Brevard Zoo in Melbourne welcomed a male, Masai giraffe last Wednesday. The new giraffe was born to Raffiki, a male Masai giraffe, and Johari, a female Masai giraffe. Mother and baby are doing well, zoo officials report.

At three days old, he weighed 144 pounds. Zookeepers have begun shift training, moving mom and baby out of the Africa barn for cleaning and also making introductions to the rest of the giraffe herd over the fence. The zoo anticipates putting mother and baby out on exhibit in the next two to three weeks.

This is Johari's third birth. Melvin was born four years and Stephanie was born two years later. Johari is 10 years old, born January 2000 at the San Diego Zoological Garden. Her name means jewel, but at Brevard Zoo she is commonly referred to as Jo. Raffiki, the male Masai giraffe, will be 12 years old this July.

Generally, there are three types of giraffe species in zoological facilities, commonly referred to as Reticulated, Rothschild and Masai. The Masai species has historically represented a small population in zoos.

As part of the Population Management Plan (PMP) under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the AZA is looking to increase the Masai population to 150 in captivity. Currently there are 89 Masai giraffe-37 males and 52 females-at 22 zoo institutions in the United States. There were 9 Masai giraffe born in the last year including Brevard Zoos latest birth.

Brevard Zoo is home to more than 550 animals representing over 165 species from Florida, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. The zoo is located a half-a-mile east of Interstate 95 at exit 191 on Wickham Road in Melbourne. Open daily 9:30 am-5 pm (last admission at 4:15 pm).

Call (321) 254-WILD or visit www.brevardzoo.org . Admission $13.50/Adults 13 and older; $12.50/Seniors ages 60+; $10/Children ages 2-12; and, FREE to children under two. Parking is always free.