KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On the morning of Christmas Eve, staff at Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee welcomed the birth of a healthy giraffe calf.
Officials announced in a social media post Monday that Frances the giraffe gave birth to a baby boy. Frances and her calf were bonding Monday in a barn that also houses Zoo Knoxville’s other female giraffe, Lucille, and the calf’s father, Jumbe.
“The team of caretakers will be monitoring the calf closely to make sure it is getting enough nourishment and gaining strength,” zoo officials said Monday.
“When staff is confident Frances and the calf are ready, they will begin giving them access to controlled space outside when temperatures are warm enough for the baby to be out safely.”
The birth is the second to a giraffe at Zoo Knoxville in 18 years and the second for Frances and Jumbe, according to officials.