Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a female Masai giraffe. Weighing a healthy 140 pounds and standing 6 feet tall, the 9-day-old baby is doing extremely well. She'll be on exhibit daily in the Zoo's African Savanna area starting today under the watchful eyes of her protective herdmates.

The baby giraffe is the 41st born at the Zoo since 1959. The new arrival is the fifth offspring for mother "Bridgit," who was born at the Zoo herself in 1993. The baby's father is "Walker," who moved to the Louisville Zoo in June to breed with females there.

The Zoo now has six Masai giraffes in its herd, making it one of the largest in the country. The Zoo has another 13 giraffes on loan to other zoos nationwide.

The Zoo currently is building an addition onto its giraffe barn to allow for an even bigger herd in the future. Another of the Zoo's female giraffes -- "Lindi" -- is expecting her own bundle of joy in the fall.

Masai giraffes are the tallest land animals on earth, with females growing to more than 14 feet tall and males growing up to 18 feet.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is an affordable and close-to-home getaway for Northeast Ohio. Hours are10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 per person, $6 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children under 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480.

To learn more, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.