COLUMBUS, Ohio — Editor's Note: The above video aired on November 18, 2020
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced a female Masai giraffe calf was born earlier this month. And the new calf has a Northeast Ohio connection.
Sammie, born to 9-year-old mother, Digi, is the third giraffe calf to be born in Columbus this year. Zuri gave birth to a male calf, Ralph, on June 28 and Jana welcomed a female calf, Schaefer, on Aug. 26. The father of all three calves born at the zoo this year is 10-year-old Enzi.
The zoo named the calf “Sammie” as a tribute to the daughter of generous donor and founder/owner of Summit County-based LeafFilter®, Matt Kaulig. LeafFilter® proudly named Sammie's mother Digi previously. The zoo says the Kauligs’ support will help ensure Sammie and all of the Columbus Zoo animals receive top-quality care.
The Animal Care team says Sammie appears to be strong and alert. The calf was already full standing and nursing shortly after birth.
Sammie is the second calf for Digi, who previously gave birth to a female calf at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016.
The zoo says gusts won’t yet be able to see Digi and Sammie as the giraffes have moved inside for winter.
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Editor's Note: The below story aired on October 30, 2020