As nature requires, Como Zoo's newborn giraffe falls several feet into the world

Measuring 6 feet tall at birth, it's no wonder that the Como Zoo's newborn giraffe has been named "Skye."

Skye made her public debut Monday, nearly three weeks after being born on Nov. 25.

Tipping the scale on Day 1 at 145 pounds, Skye is the fifth calf born to mom Daisy and the 18th giraffe born at the St. Paul zoo in the past 20 years. The current herd also includes Clover and Skeeter, Skye's father.

Unlike humans, giraffes give birth standing up, sending their babies falling more than 5 feet upon delivery. Within 30 minutes, the babes are able to run for hours on end.

Skye "landed softly" on sand and straw that was strategically located under the mother, said zoo spokesman Matt Reinartz. Within minutes, the newborn was on all fours.

When fully grown, female giraffes reach an average of 15 feet in height. Males, which can top out at 18 feet, make the species the world's tallest.

The honor of naming the new giraffe was given to a Como Friends supporter chosen at random from among the hundreds of donors who made a gift of $55 or more on Give to the Max Day on Nov. 13.