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It’s a girl! Detroit Zoo welcomes healthy baby giraffe

7-year-old Zara gave birth to the calf on Nov. 23

Zara, a 7-year-old giraffe, gave birth to the healthy calf at around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 23. (Detroit Zoo)

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoo has welcomed a new baby giraffe!

In a Facebook post, zoo officials announced that 7-year-old Zara gave birth to the female giraffe at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.

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“This adorable little one is already standing strong, nursing well, and hitting all her important early milestones,” zoo officials said in the post. “Both Mom and calf are doing great!”

A baby giraffe was born at the Detroit Zoo on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (Detroit Zoo)

The baby’s dad, Jabari, is a 17-year-old giraffe who has been at the Detroit Zoo since 2008.

Along with Zara, Jabari, and their newborn, two other giraffes, Kivuli and Mpenzi, also call the Detroit Zoo home.

“Wild giraffe populations face serious threats, and we’re proud that the giraffes at the Detroit Zoo serve as ambassadors for their cousins in the wild,” zoo officials said.

The giraffe exhibit will remain closed temporarily to give Zara and her new baby some space to bond. (Detroit Zoo)

To give Zara and her new baby time to bond, the giraffe building will remain closed temporarily.

Zoo officials will release updates when people can visit the new baby and plan to reveal her name in the future.


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