NORFOLK — A baby girl was born at the Virginia Zoo on Sunday, weighing 149 pounds and standing 5’11” tall.

The newborn, a Masai giraffe, came into the world in front of a crowd of zoo visitors after her mother, Imara, spent two hours in labor, according to the zoo.

Masai giraffes, commonly found in the central and southern areas of Kenya and in Tanzania, are the most popular of the nine subspecies of the animal. They typically have large, dark markings separated by light brown lines, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

Described by zoo veterinarian Colleen Clabbers as “bright, alert and strong,” the unnamed calf was born with a defect that impacts her front limbs. Carpal laxity, the common defect causes the animals front legs to be bowed backward when they walk. The defect doesn’t cause pain and is often seen in domestic breeds, according to the zoo.

The baby giraffe is standing, walking and bonding with her mother. Clabbers anticipates that she may grow out of her defect with love and support from the zoo and her family.

“Since this calf is strong and has been getting adequate nutrition, we are hopeful that she will continue to thrive with her mother’s care,” Clabbers wrote in a news release. “Improvement or resolution could take several weeks to months. We are monitoring her closely and collaborating with our veterinary and zoo partners to ensure that she is a happy, healthy giraffe.”

Those who want to visit the happy family can see them at the indoor giraffe exhibit.

Mayfield can be reached at adrienne.m@southsidedaily.com.