Toronto Zoo welcomes a Masai giraffe calf after father's unexpected death

The Toronto Zoo reported a healthy female Masai giraffe calf was born early Sunday and that the mother, Mstari, and the calf are doing well. The calf's father, Kiko, died in January and the zoo said it will share updates on the pair and on visitor arrangements.

The Toronto Zoo announced the birth of a healthy female Masai giraffe calf in the early hours of Sunday. The zoo said the mother, Mstari, and the calf are doing well following a smooth birth. The arrival comes after the zoo reported the recent death of the calf's father, Kiko. Key details: - The calf is a Masai giraffe, an endangered subspecies, and the zoo reported the mother and calf are in good condition. - The calf was allowed to bond with its mother and initial health checks were completed by zoo staff. - The calf's father, Kiko, died in January; the zoo noted male giraffes play little direct role in rearing calves. - The Toronto Zoo stated it supports Masai giraffe conservation and will post further updates on the calf, including when visitors may be able to meet it. Summary: The birth adds a new Masai giraffe calf to the Toronto Zoo while staff note the recent loss of the calf's father, Kiko. The zoo said it will provide updates on the health of mother and calf and on timing for visitor introductions.