Endangered giraffe born in ARTIS Zoo
– Aug. 17, 2024
A second reticulated giraffe was born on Friday. Fortunately, the young bull is doing well after another cow's calf was born dead on Thursday. The delivery went smoothly and quickly.
The 20-year-old cow was in the stables in the morning and soon zookeepers saw front legs coming out. After a two-metre free fall, the mother took care of her calf 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, to maintain a stable population.
Standing up right after giving birth
Danny Sopjes, zookeeper: ‘After the sad ending yesterday, the team is 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 cub are resting in the stable and when they are ready they will also go outside with the rest of the herd.'
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.
