Mazal Tov: Israeli Zoo Celebrates Birth of Baby Giraffe

A joyous occasion took place at the Ramat Gan Safari on Monday, as one of the safari's female giraffe's gave birth to a healthy baby boy, after a lengthy and complicated labor.

Dikla began birthing the baby giraffe at 1 P.M., when chief safari veterinarian Yigal Horowitz noticed that the process was stalling, prompting safari staff to aid the labor.

The veterinary staff then noticed that the calf's legs had tangled around its neck, eventually succeeding in removing it safely. Dikla then proceeded to lick her newborn, which was standing on his own within the hour.

In line with custom, safari staff are now turning to the public to suggest names beginning with the letter "d."

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A one-day-old giraffe calf standing beside mother Dikla in the Ramat Gan Safari near Tel Aviv, Nov. 14, 2011Credit: AP

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A one-day-old giraffe calf standing beside mother Dikla in the Ramat Gan Safari near Tel Aviv, Nov. 14, 2011.Credit: AP

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A female giraffe Dikla nuzzling her one-day-old giraffe calf in the Ramat Gan Safari near Tel Aviv, Nov. 14, 2011. Credit: AP

Giraffe newborn in Ramat Gan