Toledo Zoo announces birth of endangered giraffe calf

U.S. NewsBaby giraffe born at Toledo ZooBy Cliff Pinckard, cleveland.comTOLEDO, Ohio — A baby giraffe was born Wednesday at the Toledo Zoo, the second calf born this year at the zoo.According to a news release, the reticulated giraffe is the first offspring of its mother, Rae. It’s the fourth calf for its father, Rocket. Another calf fathered by Rocket was born in January.“After a roughly 15-month gestation, Rae immediately showed strong maternal instincts,” the zoo said in a news release. “Our dedicated keepers are closely monitoring mom and calf as they bond and settle in behind the scenes.” The zoo did not say when the new calf will be available to be viewed by the public.The reticulated giraffe is listed as an endangered species, with just under 21,000 still living in the wild. They live primarily in Kenya, with some in Somalia and Ethiopia, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.The reticulated giraffe has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years in the wild, but can live more than 30 years in captivity.Cliff Pinckard has been with The Plain Dealer/cleveland.com since 1999. He has been a copy editor in the sports and entertainment departments, and also has been an online reporter and editor. He currently is an...