A mother giraffe has gained fame for the remarkably swift process of giving birth, right in front of visitors who cheered her on enthusiastically.
Visitors to the Milwaukee County Zoo were treated to a rare sight when they witnessed a giraffe giving birth, an unusual occurrence that took place in plain view.
A newborn giraffe at the zoo, right before the eyes of visitors.
Due to the unexpectedly rapid labor of the mother giraffe, the zoo staff was unable to prepare a private area for her, resulting in many guests witnessing the entire birthing process outdoors.
This is the first time since the 1990s that a giraffe at the zoo has had such an easy birthing experience, occurring entirely outside.
The newborn giraffe is a male. After the birth, the mother giraffe, named Ziggy, quickly returned to care for and nurture her calf. Within about 45 minutes after birth, the calf was able to stand on its own.
A giraffe typically has a gestation period of 400 to 600 days, around 15 months. Generally, these animals give birth to a single calf. The mother giraffe stands while giving birth, causing the calf to fall about two meters to the ground. Approximately 30 to 50 minutes after birth, the calf can begin to stand and take its first wobbly steps, often slipping and stumbling.
According to the management of the Milwaukee County Zoo, giraffes usually give birth in a medical room, monitored and cared for by staff. However, Ziggy’s labor progressed so quickly that the caretakers did not have time to move her inside.
The newborn calf weighs about 31 kg. “The newborn giraffe is quite alert, strong, and shows curiosity about its surroundings,” shared a zoo staff member.
The father of the newborn is a giraffe named Bahatika, commonly referred to as Baha. This is the second time Baha has mated with a female giraffe for breeding purposes. Previously, he mated with a female giraffe named Marlee.
