Greenville Zoo Staff Waiting on New Baby Giraffe

Baby watch 2012 has commenced at the Greenville Zoo.

Zoo staff are awaiting the arrival of the first baby giraffe to be born at the 14-acre faciliy.

Check out the Giraffe Cam.

Autumn is beginning to seperate from Walter more often to give them time to get adjusted to being apart.

According to information provided by the zoo, the mother giraffe will need several weeks to bond with the calf. The staff said it would also allow for Autumn to focus on giving birth, without Walter's interference.

“The hope is that Autumn is on exhibit for the birth, which will allow her the space to pace and also a suitable surface for giving birth,” said Jeff Bullock, Zoo Administrator. “Being born on exhibit will give the newborn space to find its legs and hopefully be up and walking soon after being born.”

The zoo staff also have prepared two barn stalls for the calf's arrival, should it come in during the night.

The average gestation period for a giraffe is 15 months. The female is standing when she delivers the calf.

The baby is expected to be at least six-feet-tall and weigh around 150 pounds at birth.