KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Editor's Note: The picture and video above is Frances with her first born, Bea.
Zoo Knoxville has just announced it's preparing for the arrival of a new baby giraffe!
This will be the second calf born to Frances, 5, and Jumbe, 18.
Last year, Frances gave birth to Bea, who just recently celebrated her first birthday on World Giraffe Day.
Frances is due Dec.17, 2020.
Zookeepers said she is a fantastic mom. They are working to make sure she is getting plenty of food so she can stay healthy during the pregnancy.
Zoo Knoxville continues to collaborate with zoos around the United States to save giraffes from poaching and habitat destruction.
According to Zoo Knoxville, over the last three decades, giraffe populations have declined by 40%.
“The birth of an endangered animal always inspires hope, perhaps even more so in 2020,” said Phil Colclough, Director of Animal Care, Conservation and Education. “This baby is critical to maintaining a
healthy and viable population for the future and that’s one of the most important jobs we have as a modern zoo."
Zoo Knoxville is home to four giraffe, females Bea, Francis and Lucille, and male Jumbe.