Baby Giraffe Born Unexpectedly at Maryland Zoo; Historic Tortoise Becomes First-Time Mom

Unexpected Giraffe Birth

• 🦒 A baby giraffe was born at the Maryland Zoo last week, surprising zookeepers who were unaware the mother was pregnant.
• 💡 The mother giraffe, Kippy, arrived in Baltimore in November and showed no signs of pregnancy until the day before giving birth, despite a gestation period of around 450 days.
• ✅ Both the mother and the 6-foot-tall baby giraffe are reported to be doing well.

Historic Tortoise Motherhood

• 🐢 A western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise at the Philadelphia Zoo has become a first-time mother at an estimated age of 100 years, making her the oldest first-time mom of her species.
• 🥚 So far, four hatchlings have emerged, with the first appearing in late February.
• 🔬 Zoo officials are monitoring the remaining eggs for additional hatchlings and believe the current four are female.
• 🗓️ The new tortoise hatchlings are expected to make their public debut later this month.