Dickerson Park Zoo announces birth of baby giraffe

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Dickerson Park Zoo has a new addition to the family, a baby giraffe.

According to a press release, early this morning, Emma the giraffe gave birth to baby Gelner.

The sex of the giraffe has not been determined.

“Mark Gelner is a past president of the Friends of the Zoo board, and the Gelner family continues to be incredible supporters of the zoo,” said zoo spokeswoman Joey Powell. “We could not do Brew at the Zoo without the generosity and help of the Gelner family and Heart of America. Plus, the logo for Brew at the Zoo features a giraffe. It was a unanimous decision to name the giraffe after the Gelner family.”

The giraffe building will remain closed to the public today but is expected to be open in the next few days.