The Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday announced the births of a Masai giraffe and rare Peninsular pronghorn twins.
The newest male Masai giraffe (pictured, top) was born April 5. He's currently in the giraffe habitat with his parents, Neema and Artimus.
"Able to stand shortly after birth, calves can grow four feet during their first year. When full grown, giraffes can reach a height of 18 feet, making them tallest land mammal," according to the LA Zoo.
Not only can giraffes reach speeds of 35 mph, their kicks are so powerful, they're capable of decapitating a lion.
In addition to the new giraffe, the zoo announced the births of twin Peninsular pronghorns, which look similar to an antelope.
The male Peninsular pronghorns, native to Baja California Sur, Mexico, were born March 30.
"Newborns take their first steps within 30 minutes of birth. By the time they are 4 days old, they can outrun humans," according to the LA Zoo.
The Los Angeles Zoo is the only institution in the U.S. to breed the rare species. There are only about 250 Peninsular pronghorns in existence in the wild, according to the zoo.
And in bonus cute news, the zoo announced the addition of eight new black-tailed prairie dogs.
The lone male and seven female prairie dogs are housed at the Winnick Family Children's Zoo.
"Native to large areas of the western United States, prairie dogs live in 'towns' that consist of a system of interconnecting burrows. These 'towns' can extend for miles and consist of thousands of animals," according to the LA Zoo.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the 134 and 5 freeways. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children (ages 2 to 12). The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information, call 323-644-4200 or visit www.lazoo.org.
