The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden announced the birth of an endangered giraffe calf, born to 20-year-old giraffe, Ellie.The male calf was born on around noon on Thursday at the zoo’s giraffe habitat barn. The calf, who is yet to be named, is the first to be fathered by 4-year-old, Demetri. Officials said the calf is healthy and strong, weighs about 157 pounds and stands 6-foot-1. He will continue to spend time bonding with his mother and herd mates behind the scenes. Ellie’s daughter, Julu, 5, is also pregnant and expected to deliver her first calf soon, zoo officials said. “Witnessing Ellie and Julu experience pregnancy together has been the greatest joy and we’re thrilled to watch our herd grow with the addition of this little calf,” said OKC Zoo’s Curator of Hoofstock and Primates, Tracey Dolphin-Drees. “This birth is critical for the conservation of this endangered species and a true testament to the importance of the zoo’s involvement in collaborative breeding efforts.” The gestation period for giraffes is approximately 15 months, officials said. The average weight for a newborn giraffe is about 150 pounds. Newborns stand within an hour of birth at a height of around 6 feet tall. According to giraffe caretakers, Ellie’s water broke around 10:40 a.m. and she was in active labor until the calf’s birth at 12:01 p.m. By 1:13 p.m. the calf was standing and attempting to nurse. Native to East and South Africa, giraffes are currently listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Weather depending, officials said Ellie and her calf will have access to the giraffe habitat yard over the weekend.