Mercer County saw the birth of a baby giraffe on Wednesday, Sept. 8. This is the first giraffe born in Western PA since 2017.

Keystone Safari in Mercer County was the site of the birth of "Timber," from her mother, "Blue Jeans." Timber was monitored by Keystone Safari staff in person throughout the evening and over surveillance cameras throughout the night.

Timber was given a physical on Thursday morning by the park's medical staff. She measured in at six feet and two inches and weighed 164 pounds, which is very heavy, even for a giraffe. Typically, newborn giraffes weigh closer to 115 to 130 pounds. 

Timber was given vitamins as well as a microchip for zoo ID purposes. Timber also got blood drawn which will be analyzed by veterinary staff to determine her health and pinpoint any health issues.

Giraffe are believed to have dropped in wild population by 40% within the past 30 years. Poaching and human development are the primary threats to giraffes today.

Anyone interested in visiting Timber, as well as other animals can visit Keystone Safari at 2284 Mercer Butler Pike in Grove City.