Endangered reticulated giraffe born at ARTIS Zoo

Delivery went smoothly

The 20-year-old cow sought peace and quiet in the stall in the morning and soon animal handlers saw the front legs coming out. After a two-metre free fall, the mother took care of her cub and it was soon on its feet. The birth of the healthy calf is good news for the European species conservation programme of this endangered species, for which young recruitment is important to remain stable as a population. 

Getting up right after giving birth

Danny Sopjes, zookeeper: ‘After a fraught day yesterday with a sad ending, we as a team are extra happy to see this young calf on its feet so soon after delivery. The cow has already licked it thoroughly clean and you can see from everything that she is an experienced mother. Mother and young are resting in the barn and when they are ready they will also go outside with the rest of the herd.' 

Fall of almost two metres

A giraffe birth is always special because the mother gives birth to the calf standing upright. This causes the calf to make a fall of almost two metres. During the fall, the calf lands safely on the shoulder and immediately turns on its side. It is very important for young giraffes to quickly stand on their own legs to avoid falling prey to predators. The suckling period lasts about a year, after which a young bull stays with the herd for at least another two years. 

Endangered on IUCN Red List

The number of net giraffes still alive in the wild is dramatically low. The net giraffe has been listed as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation) Red List. About 8,660 adults were still alive in the wild in 2016, a decline of at least 80% in about 25 years. This is because their habitat is shrinking due to agriculture, urbanisation and desiccation. Poaching and wars are also taking their toll on the giraffes' habitat.