The calf is 5 foot 9 inches and weighs 106 pounds. Zookeepers did not expect that the zoo’s relatively new giraffe, Audrey, had given birth to the male calf. The giraffe will not be on display for several weeks. Giraffes usually do not show physical symptoms of pregnancy. They have no breeding season and gestation is 14 to 15 months.

 “Unbeknownst to us, Audrey arrived in Santa Barbara in March 2010 approximately five months pregnant,” said Sheri Horiszny, Director of Animal Programs.  “Nothing in her records indicated that Los Angeles Zoo keepers had ever seen their male showing interest in her or attempting to breed her.”

“In addition to giraffe’s natural growth, it is likely a genetic defense strategy for animal mothers not to look pregnant to keep predators from singling them out,” notes Zoo Director Nancy McToldridge.

Zookeepers are attempting to do their best to ensure the survival of the new giraffe. Audrey refused to nurse the calf. Zoo officials found a woman in town who had a goat in labor. She was willing to milk the goat for the baby giraffe to use. Daniel is now being fed on a combination of goat and cow’s milk.