HOUSTON – Female Masai giraffe Zindzhi was born April 10 and female Mara was born April 24, marking two giraffe births at the Houston Zoo in just two weeks.
The giraffes were about 6 feet tall when they were born and have since learned to walk, gallop and nurse from their mothers.
Senior zookeeper Kim Siegl, who has helped care for each calf, said they are doing remarkably well.
After birth, the baby giraffes are kept in a barn with their mothers for some bonding time that zookeepers said is crucial to their healthy development.
PICTURES: Take a look at the newest additions to the giraffe herd at the Houston Zoo
Thursday was Mara's first day out in the enclosure, and she seemed to be unfazed by the groups of schoolchildren and adults marveling at her and the rest of the herd.
A newborn Masai giraffe typically weighs between 125 and 150 pounds at birth, and are known to grow quickly.
Male giraffes average 17 feet tall and 2,500 pounds, while female giraffes typically stand at more than 14 feet.
A portion of every ticket purchased at the Houston Zoo goes to various conservation efforts, including protecting giraffes in the wild.