A Christmas gift of gigantic proportions was received at Whipsnade Zoo, as the conservation zoo welcomed a second endangered giraffe calf – just four weeks after the birth of its half-sister, Leoni.
The long-legged gift – a precious baby boy – is an important addition to the international conservation breeding programme for their species. He was born to mum Ijuma after a 15-month gestation period, at 11:30am on Sunday 21 December, just one month after fellow mum, Luna, gave birth to a female calf.
The yet-to-be-named calf will start venturing outside in the coming days, after spending its first week nestled inside with mum.
Mark Holden, section manager of large hoofstock at Whipsnade Zoo, 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 newborn brings the conservation zoo’s giraffe herd to six, with the baby boy also joining teenage siblings Myra and Timba, who were both born in the summer of 2024. Every calf becomes part of the international conservation breeding programme for reticulated giraffes, who are 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.”
With over 600 acres to explore, a visit to Whipsnade Zoo and the 11,000 animals that call the wild wonderland home is the perfect family day out this winter. Every visit helps to support ZSL’s science and conservation work to protect and restore wildlife around the world. To find out more and book, visit: Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo | Whipsnade Zoo
