Friday, November, 8, 2013, Toronto Ontario: The Toronto Zoo is excited to introduce female Masai giraffe calf 'Mstari', pronounced 'mi-starry'. 'Twiga', the Zoo's 23 year old Masai giraffe, gave birth on Thursday, October 17, 2013.
The
name 'Mstari' means 'Stripes' in Swahili and was chosen by Zoo Keepers
in memory of her late father 'Stripes' who passed away September 29,
2012 at the age of 21. This newest addition to the Toronto Zoo family is happy and healthy, and mother 'Twiga' is also doing very well.
Giraffes
are listed by the International Union for Conservation and Nature
(IUCN) as least concern/conservation dependent however, recent
population estimates suggest a large decline in wild numbers due to
habitat destruction and poaching which will likely warrant a higher
classification. "The Toronto Zoo is part of the Masai Giraffe Species
Survival Plan (SSP) and the birth of this calf is very important to the
North American captive population", says Maria Franke, Toronto Zoo
Curator of Mammals. This is the 17th Masai giraffe born at the Toronto
Zoo.
Almost
everything about a giraffe seems exaggerated. Its height can range up
to 6.1 metres, making it the world's tallest animal, its heart, as an
adult, weighs 11.5 kg, and Mom gives birth standing - meaning that the
baby, which is approximately two metres tall, has a 1.6 metre drop to
the ground! In the wild, a giraffe can deliver a kick that will send a
lion spinning.
The
Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier zoo and a leader in animal preservation
and environmental protection. More than a tourist attraction, the
Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and
their natural habitats - from species reintroduction to reproductive
research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the
Toronto Zoo is open every day except December 25 and attracts
approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.
Make
a point of stopping by the African Savanna to see our delightful little
giraffe girl, "Mstari" browsing happily with Mom 'Twiga' and Aunt
'Ginetta' who will be out, from time to time, in the yard, weather
permitting.
For more information please contact Cynthia Shipley, Manager of Public Relations and Events 416-392-5938 or cshipley@torontozoo.ca.
-30-
Toronto
Zoo is accredited by CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums).
Look for this logo whenever you visit a Canadian zoo as your assurance
that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care
for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all
living things. For more information, visit www.caza.
torontozoo.com
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