Keepers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are celebrating the birth of a baby reticulated giraffe.
The new arrival was born last Friday 26th April to first-time mum Luna and dad Bashu and has been named Khari, which means ‘King-like’ in Swahili.
Part of the European Breeding Programme (EEP) for the Endangered species, the giraffe calf weighed in at around 150 lbs when born, and at almost six-feet tall was able to walk within an hour.
ZSL team leader Mark Holden, explains: “First-time mum Luna is doing a sterling job of looking after Khari – positively doting on her new arrival, while feeding and cleaning him regularly.
“However, the birth was definitely a family affair; Dad Bashu was rubbing Luna’s neck encouragingly during her four-hour labour, while grandmother Ijuma helped to clean the youngster after the birth – and they’ve all since continued to be very involved in Khari’s care.”
Lucky visitors should be able to spot Khari stretching his legs as early as this weekend – just in time for the bank holiday! For more information on visiting ZSL Whipsnade go to www.zsl.org
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