Second baby giraffe born at Whipsnade Zoo in a matter of weeks
Two new arrivals are finding their feet at Whipsnade Zoo after the birth of two endangered giraffes – half-siblings born a month apart.
The long-legged baby boy was born just four weeks after his half-sister, Leoni. After a 15-month pregnancy, mum Ijuma welcomed the baby at 11.30am on December 21.
The calf, who does not yet have a name, has spent his first week inside nestling with mum, but will soon venture outside.
Mark Holden, section manager of large hoofstock, said: “It really is the best gift having two giraffes at Whipsnade Zoo this December.
“We monitored Ijuma throughout her labour and the birth, and thankfully all went well for her, and her new boy appears happy and healthy.
“It's been comical watching him get used to his gangly legs, as he’s already standing at six feet tall. His half-sister, Leoni, wasn’t quite sure what to make of the new arrival, but we’re sure she won’t mind sharing the spotlight this festive season.”
The latest arrival takes the conservation zoo’s giraffe herd to six.
The calves are part of the international conservation breeding programme for reticulated giraffes, which are classified as being endangered due to illegal hunting, habitat destruction, and conflict with humans in unstable parts of Africa.
Mark added: “With conservation zoos like Whipsnade helping to create a genetically viable insurance population of giraffes, all four of our calves are a conservation success story. Each calf is also a poignant reminder of the important legacy left by their dad, Bashu, who sadly died in September.”