Zoo keepers at Flamingo Land had an extra special reason to celebrate Mother’s Day this year with the arrival of a six foot bundle of legs and neck.
In the early hours of Sunday morning (31st March), 9-year-old Rothschild’s giraffe Savannah gave birth to her second calf, the first born at the zoo for six years.
The father, four-year-old Albert, only arrived at Flamingo Land in September 2023 as part of the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP).
This is his first offspring and keepers confirmed this week that the calf is a male.
Keepers have named him Kijana, meaning ‘young man’ in Swahili.
Head Keeper Sam DeBelle said:
“This was a fantastic surprise for the giraffe team on Sunday morning.
“We knew Savannah was pregnant, we just did not know when she was due. To find a calf on Mother’s day, just makes it extra special’.
“The zoo now has eight Rothschild’s giraffes, however there could be more to come. Park Executive Ross Snipp explained “In total we have five females, all of whom we believe could be pregnant, we are certainly expecting more calves this year.
“With less than 1400 reported in the wild every birth is a significant milestone.
“This year we hope to celebrate several of these milestones and continue to contribute to this important breeding programme”.
After spending the first few days bonding with his mother, Kijana is now out and about with the rest of the herd and guests to Flamingo Land will be able to see him throughout the Easter Holidays.
Harrogate dog show to include new pet-themed market
Leeds Bradford Airport launches new flights to Palma and Malaga
New floral artwork unveiled across Harrogate town centre
80 Easter eggs collected for Knaresborough special needs school
YMCA Ripon to host charity sleep out
Saltergate girls' football team: A journey of triumph and opportunity
Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park unveils 70 new artworks
Harrogate vet receptionist tackles London Marathon to help horses
Programme revealed for Harrogate crime writing festival
Hundreds take on inflatable wipeout challenge in Harrogate
Wider ban on heather burning 'risks catastrophic wildfires'
Over 200 fencers attend Harrogate Fencing Club sporting event
Harrogate homeless charity receives four-figure grant
Police appeal after driver fails to stop following A1 collision
Harrogate MP warns 'OFWAT must go' after Yorkshire Water dumps 430,263 hours of sewage
Surprise donation pays off debt for Knaresborough Forest Park
Harrogate woman launches home decluttering business
Starbeck dance school to perform at Disneyland
New ride unveiled at Lightwater Valley near Ripon
Woman arrested for arson after fire devastates Knaresborough pub
