Male: 'Stretch' McCovey
Birth Weight: 150 pounds
Birth Height: Over 6 feet tall!
Species: Masai
Mother: Jamala
Father: Tufani

On Thursday, March 4, A new baby Masai giraffe was born at Safari Westlate Thursday night. The calf, named "Stretch McCovey" was named after the former San Francisco Giant and was born as spring training games start. The calf was the 15th born at the preserve and marks a very important and celebrated event, creating the largest private giraffe herd in the United States! And, there are only about 72 Masai giraffe in the United States.

Stretch weighed in at around 150 pounds, stood over over 6 ft tall at birth and started walking within the hour. He was greeted with beaming faces from Safari West staff as he took his first steps toward mother Jamala to nurse. Visitors to Safari West can see Stretch playing in the giraffe enclosure with his cousins, trying out his wild and long new legs!

Take a peek at Stretch playing with his buddies!

Founder of Safari West, Peter Lang, said: "We are always pleased with the successful arrival of new life at Safari West. Each birth is a miracle on its own.” Like Peter Lang, the entire staff of Safari West is reminded by the ushering in of a new life to reflect on our blessings as we journey through this world. We are ever mindful that new chances for adventure await us at each turn. We look forward to having you join us on this daring ride!

More about Giraffes: Native to Africa, the giraffe is the tallest land mammal and can grow to heights of up to eighteen feet. The gestation period is fourteen to fifteen months. Giraffes give birth to their young while standing up. The six foot drop to the ground aids in starting the breathing process – a rude awakening! Like most hoofed mammals(ungulates), the newborn will be up and walking around within 30 minutes to an hour. Giraffe babies will stay with their mothers for up to two years in the wild.

• Click here to see some beautiful photos taken of Stretch by John Burgess of the Press Democrat.