It was born on Tuesday, January 20, after a 15-month pregnancy, to proud mother, 14-year-old Arusha.
Lisa Watkins, head keeper of ungulates at West Midlands Safari Park, said: “The team are over the moon with the safe arrival of a new giraffe calf to mother, Arusha.
“Arusha is well rehearsed in motherhood and, as we all expected, she is doing a fantastic job so far.
“It is still early days and with the current weather, both mum and baby are spending time in the warmth of the house to bond.
“We hope to share the calf with guests as soon as both are ready and the weather allows.”
Keepers had suspected that the birth was imminent after monitoring Arusha overnight for on CCTV, then on their morning checks, they saw signs of labour and witnessed her waters break.
They then quietly went about their duties within the giraffe house, keeping an eye on CCTV to monitor Arusha’s progress without disturbing her.
Then at 11.04am, keepers were lucky enough to witness the six-foot youngster make its appearance into the world, landing on the soft, sanded floor, prepared especially for this moment.
It stood up just 40 minutes later and had its first suckle at just one hour old.
The birth is part of the giraffe EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme), a collaborative European breeding effort to conserve endangered species.
Northern giraffes are listed as ‘vulnerable’ due to threats including habitat loss, poaching and climate change.
A health check by the park’s veterinary team will confirm the calf’s sex before keepers select a name.
This year, all animals born at the park will receive names starting with the letter ‘O’.
The public may be able to see the new arrival in the coming months, depending on weather conditions and the calf’s progress.
For more information, visit the West Midlands Safari Park website.
