Saint Louis Zoo announces new addition

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The Saint Louis Zoo's newest arrival is all legs.

A reticulated giraffe born Saturday is standing tall with his mom.

The male baby was born outdoors in view of a crowd of 400 onlookers. He weighs 143 pounds and stands more than 6 feet tall.

This is the sixth calf for Jessie and Dexter, who has sired 11 calves altogether. Mom and baby are doing well and can be seen together outdoors at Red Rocks, weather permitting, or inside the Antelope House.

Mother giraffes are very affectionate and protective toward their babies, touching and licking them frequently. Jessie's gestation period was about 15 months.

Reticulated giraffes are threatened in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting.