The tallest terrestrial animal on the planet, giraffes, occupy the scorching plains of Sub-Saharan Africa. And, despite popular knowledge, "giraffe" is what scientists like to call an umbrella common name, consisting of, at least 9 different subspecies. And while some subspecies are more abundant than the rest, one particular subspecies that is quite endangered has new hope on the horizon. On December 29th, a Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti) calf, named Zahra, was born at the Chester Zoo in England, added some new genetic variation into the small population left in captivity of Rothschild's giraffes.
"We're happy to report that our new, not-so-little, youngster is doing well and is already confident on her long legs," said Tim Rowlands, the curator of mammals at Chester Zoo.
Born into the world at over six-feet tall from equally gargantuan parents-both measuring over fifteen-feet tall-Zahra, which translates to "flower" in Swahili, joins the 8 other Rothschild's giraffe's on display at the Chester Zoo. But in spite of the new addition, their out-of-enclosure population numbers aren't fairing too well; Rothschild's giraffes only number in the mere hundreds in the wild. In fact, they've already become endemically extinct in Sudan, and their numbers are in steady decline in the neighboring countries of Kenya and Uganda.
Born from father Aiofe and mother Meru, Zahra entered into the world, as all newborn giraffes do, with a steep fall. Because of giraffes' inherent anatomy, they're not able to give birth while resting in a sitting position. Relying on gravity during labor, Meru gave birth to her "not-so-little" calf standing up, hovering over 6ft from the ground.
"Giraffes give birth standing up and the calves fall about 6ft;so they really do come down to Earth with a bump," Rowland says.
The birth of Zahra gives hope to the critically endangered species. Zahra will join the zoo's illustrious history of captive propagation with the species, and will aid in the ongoing research and conservation efforts surrounding the Rothschild's giraffes.
"So when people come here and see the likes of Zahra and see what magnificent animals Rothschild's giraffes are, we really want them to stop and think about the plight of the species in the wild. Rothschild's giraffes are of high conservation priority and the need for a concerted conservation effort has never been more urgent," said Rowland. But the zoo-and its flocking visitors to the giraffe exhibit-are ecstatic about the newly birthed calf's presence in the herd. "Everyone at the zoo is thrilled with Zahra and she has really added to our Christmas and New Year celebrations."
The Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti) is considered a "Critically Endangered (CE) Species" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
