Get a first look at the baby giraffe at Sacramento Zoo. Officials say calf is ‘healthy and nursing’

It turns out she was pregnant after all.

Shani the Giraffe gave birth to her calf around noon Sunday, the Sacramento Zoo said. The birth comes nearly a month after the zoo released a video saying they didn’t think Shani was pregnant anymore.

Shani, a Masai giraffe, was thought to be due sometime over last summer. When her due date came and went, zoo officials said in the video that they thought it might be another medical condition that gave her the appearance of pregnancy.

However, on Jan. 18, zookeepers noticed signs of an “impending birth” and moved Shani into a maternity stall. On Sunday, she gave birth. The calf has not yet been named.

“We are thrilled to announce that Shani’s calf is healthy and nursing well from mom,” the zoo said in a social media post.

Shani and her calf will remain secluded for the time being as they bond, but may be occasionally visible to visitors in the habitat’s side yard.

The zoo will announce an official debut at a later date, officials said in a statement.

This story was originally published January 23, 2023 at 5:54 PM.