As to a press release from the Virginia Zoo, in Norfolk, a baby Masai giraffe calf was born on September 9, to mom Imara. Imara gave birth in the presence of many visitors and it was extremely interesting for them.
Being the third-largest animals in wildlife after whales and elephants, they can give birth to newborns who are 6 feet tall. As soon as the new arrivals are born they begin to wobbly walk on their own.
The newborn calf was female and was named Tisa meaning 9 in Swahili. Tisa was born on 9/9 and was the 9th child of her mom so her name was fitting the best.
Tisa was the fifteenth child of her father Billy. Billy and Imara had been mated based on the recommendations by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes. Mastiff giraffes are endangered and each birth is important for the vulnerable species.