Calf, which is yet to be sexed or named, is one of most endangered subspecies of giraffe, with fewer than 1,600 in wild
A rare and endangered Rothschild’s giraffe has been born at Chester zoo.
Keepers said the 1.82-metre (6ft) calf, which is yet to be sexed or
named, arrived to first-time mother Tula and father Meru at about 7am on
Boxing Day and was up on its feet just minutes later.
Rothschild’s giraffes are one of the most endangered subspecies of
giraffe and one of the world’s most at-risk species. Estimates suggest
fewer than 1,600 remain in the wild, primarily as a result of poaching
and habitat loss.
Sarah Roffe, team manager of giraffes at the zoo, said: “Rothschild’s
giraffes are highly endangered and so the arrival of a new calf is a
major cause for celebration. It really is the best Christmas gift we
could have ever have wished for. Shortly after being born, the calf was
up on its feet within minutes, which was really pleasing to see.
“When it gets a little more used to its long legs it will be
introduced to the rest of the herd but, for now, it’s important that mum
and calf spend a few days together striking up those early bonds.”
Just 90,000 giraffes exist in the wild – far fewer than the endangered African elephant. The International Union for the Conservation
of Nature changed the animals’ status from “of least concern” to
“vulnerable” this month. Giraffes are also declining because of civil
unrest in the African countries where they live.
Roffe said: “This iconic species is often overlooked in Africa and,
sadly, Rothschild’s giraffes are experiencing a silent extinction. They
are very much under threat in the wild, so it’s vital that our new calf
helps us to throw a spotlight on this amazing species. Hopefully, our
not-so-little arrival can generate more awareness of the huge pressures
that Rothschild’s giraffes face in the wild.”
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