As the nation celebrated with fireworks and ball drops, the zoo's 5-year-old reticulated giraffe, Willow, gave birth to her first baby at 12:12 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Although the zoo could estimate the giraffe's due date--a giraffe's gestation period typically lasts anywhere from 13 to 15 months--Wednesday morning's birth helped kick-start a unique beginning to 2014.
The male, who has already undergone a complete physical exam, is the first giraffe birth at any North American accredited zoo this year.
Jalil, the Birmingham Zoo's 7-year-old male, is the father. This is the first offspring for both Willow and Jalil. Willow was born at the Birmingham Zoo in July 2008.
Zoo staff said the baby giraffe takes after his father with similar markings and mannerisms.
Their newest arrival, according to a release, is nursing and is in the process of bonding with his mother in a warm holding area due to the seasonally cold temperatures.
Willow's baby male--who she gave birth to standing up--is expected to grow taller than her one day. Female giraffes can grow to be up to 17 feet tall and male giraffes can reach heights of 19 feet, making them the world's tallest land mammal.
According to the release, giraffes can see in color and have very keen vision and hearing.
On Jan. 6, the zoo will encourage the community to vote for one of three names selected for the baby giraffe through a Facebook voting contest. From there, one voter will be selected to receive a one-year Family Membership package to the Birmingham Zoo and a behind-the-scenes tour of the giraffe exhibit.
In the coming weeks as the giraffe continues to grow, guests will be welcomed to see the baby giraffe at the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter exhibit.