DENVER – He may still be a youngster, but the Denver Zoo’s newest giraffe is now taller and heavier than the average human.
In honor of World Giraffe Day, we thought we’d check in with Dobby, the nearly-four-month-old reticulated giraffe born earlier this year.
Dobby was born to mother Kipele and father Dikembe early in the morning on Feb. 28. Standing at about five feet tall at birth, Dobby has been growing at a fast clip ever since.
Zoo staff said Dobby is doing well and now stands at 7 feet tall and weighs 264 pounds. He’s gained five pounds just in the past week and while that seems fast, zookeepers say it’s a normal rate of growth.
Dobby is eating solid food now but he still nurses as well. Staff say they’re just now starting to train him on certain behaviors like lifting his feet so they can better keep track of his health.
The Denver Zoo is home to five giraffes, including Dobby.