Watch: Fossil Rim Welcomes Giraffe Calf

GLEN ROSE, TX — Fossil Rim, Glen Rose's popular zoo-like conservation facility destination, announced Thursday that Nettie, a resident giraffe at the zoo, had welcomed her third calf after a smooth labor lasting around two and one-half hours.

Tye Chandler, the facility's marketing associate, told Patch Nettie gave birth to the calf on July 20, making it Fossil Rim's s fifth calf since January 2017 and bringing the total to 12 giraffes.

Chandler said newborn animals are named either by caretakers, donors or in contests. The facility plans to announce the calf's name after one is decided upon.

The calf is now on display, frolicking in its habitat alongside older siblings Nyla and Demitri. Chandler said guests who want to see the calf, or any variety of animals in summer, should arrive early. The animals, he said, prefer to move to shelter in the heat of the day.

“Our giraffe, Nettie, fortunately had labor go smoothly, and the calf was out within two-and-a-half hours of the first report,” said giraffe caretaker Molly Shea. “It was standing to nurse within two hours after birth. This is Nettie’s third calf and she’s handling everything like an experienced champ.”

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Photos via Garrett Gosdin, Fossil Rim — used with permission