The Caldwell Zoo in Tyler is one of the best zoos you will visit in the entire country. Starting July 24, you will be able to get a look at the newest addition to the Africa exhibit. She is a baby giraffe only about a month and half old. Her tale of survival will be one that amazes you. I was invited to get a closer look at her, and hear her story, Thursday morning, July 23.

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We received an email from the zoo saying only,

We know you’re people say they have big news all the time.
But we really do.
You won’t want to miss it.
It’s a great story, positive and it really is BIG.

Hmm. What could this be? I speculated that the zoo has finally gotten a hippopotamus. Hippos are cool and I would try to hug it if this were true. It would eat me, for sure, but it would be worth it.

But alas, the news was not of a hippo being added to the zoo. It was even better. A new giraffe born at Caldwell Zoo. Her story is one of survival with the help of the great keepers at the zoo.

She was born June 7 but had severe problems right out of the gate. Caldwell Zoo was prepared and received help from both the Columbus Zoo and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to get plasma to her. She would also not take to her mother. The keepers had to move her to a bottle for feeding.

Since her birth, she has added 100 pounds and grown a foot. She is walking around and very energetic. She has developed a special relationship with her keepers as well. Right now, she is a bit shy. When she came out for us this morning, she just stared with curiosity but also kept her distance.

The new giraffe has not been given a name as of yet. That will be left up to the public. Information on how to submit a name suggestion will come July 24 to Caldwell Zoo's Facebook page and caldwellzoo.org. July 24 will also be when she will be revealed to the public. You will be able to see her in the giraffe house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In the meantime, enjoy these adorable photos of the newest member of the Caldwell Zoo.

Caldwell Zoo Baby Giraffe

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