First Female Giraffe Calf Since 2000 Born At Indianapolis Zoo

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indianapolis Zoo announced Thursday the birth of a reticulated giraffe, born in the late hours of Feb. 11. The Zoo said Makena, which means "happy one " or "abundance" in Swahili, is their first female calf since 2000. Makena weighed 134 pounds and stood about 6 feet tall at birth, according to the Zoo, who added that she's already growing and will be several feet taller before she turns one.

Makena's birth comes nearly four months after the Zoo announced another new addition to their Plains herd. Kita (pronounced KEE-ta), a female giraffe, arrived in the middle of October from the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, where she was born on Aug. 6, 2017, according to the Indianapolis Zoo.

According to the Zoo, the calf's mother, 21-year-old Takasa, carried Makena for 15 months, and gave birth to her standing up, which is customary for female giraffes. The Zoo said Makena takes after her father, 8-year-old Majani, with her lighter, caramel-colored patches, compared to Takasa’s darker, cinnamon-colored spots.

Related: Young Giraffe Newest Addition To Indianapolis Zoo's Plains Herd

Makena is Takasa's seventh calf and her only female, who Indianapolis Zookeepers describe as a curious and adventurous giraffe who explores her surroundings, but never ventures too far without her watchful mom.

According to the Zoo's website, "newborn giraffes are extremely resilient and are typically up on their feet in less than an hour," also noting that Makena stood up and started nursing soon after birth.

The Zoo said the five-member herd will stay in its climate-controlled indoor facility until the spring, which is when the Zoo expects the new family to make its debut.

BIG BABY NEWS! Giraffe mom Takasa just gave birth Feb. 11 to a female calf named Makena. Standing 6 ft tall, this "little" newcomer is full of spirit & curiosity. More » https://t.co/KhcRqvzPud #ZooBabies pic.twitter.com/8zhjYi27k8
— Indianapolis Zoo (@IndianapolisZoo) February 21, 2019