BABY BULLETIN: BB’s Baby Is Here!

Welcome BB’s Baby Boy

Reticulated giraffe BB gave birth to a healthy male calf on Friday, March 7 after a three-and-a-half-hour labor. Delivery went smoothly, according to Maura Davis, Curator of Large Mammals: “Teams have been watching cameras throughout the night during BB’s birth window to check for signs of labor. Little feet were seen at approximately 4 a.m. Friday morning. The calf was on the ground at 6 a.m. and standing and nursing shortly thereafter! BB did a great job.”

This adorable baby boy is the first offspring for both four-year-old BB and four-year-old Jasiri, who joined DZCA in 2022 from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Lee Richardson Zoo, respectively.

This pregnancy was part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Program (SSP), which works to ensure the long-term survival of this Endangered species. The birth of this calf is a significant step in giraffe conservation efforts, helping to maintain a genetically healthy population in human care.

Our Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams have done an incredible job supporting BB on her journey as a first-time mom! Throughout her pregnancy, BB voluntarily participated in her own care, showcasing the strong bonds she has built with our teams. Now, she’s thriving in her new role as a mom, and we’re excited to see her bond with her baby and for our teams to form new connections with her not-so-little one.

Bonding Behind the Scenes

Our Animal Care Specialists report that BB and her calf are thriving behind the scenes in their cozy indoor habitat. New mom BB is showing excellent maternal instincts, and her baby is already very curious about the world.

Jordan Baur, Lead Animal Care Specialist, Hoofstock, shares, “We are over the moon about the newest addition to our giraffe herd. It’s been eight years since Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance welcomed a giraffe calf, and this little one is already following in Dobby’s “hoof”steps and stealing our hearts. BB is an incredible mom, and the calf seems to be just as friendly and curious as his parents. We are so excited to watch this calf grow and become an ambassador for his species.”

For now, BB and her baby will remain in their indoor habitat as they bond and adjust to their surroundings. In the coming weeks, they’ll be introduced to dad Jasiri and ‘uncle’ Dobby before making their public debut. To give them time to acclimate, the indoor giraffe habitat is temporarily closed to guests.