Critically endangered Kordofan giraffe born at Planckendael Zoo

A female Kordofan giraffe, a critically endangered subspecies, was born on Monday at Planckendael zoo, the park announced on Tuesday. The animal is already on display to visitors and its name, which will start with B, will be chosen by public vote on the zoo’s social media.

The calf is already more than 1.5m tall. “In recent weeks, we were really counting the days. The little one was very active inside its mother’s belly, and we could feel that the moment was approaching,” a keeper said.

“Giraffe gestation lasts 15 months, so we have been waiting for this birth for a very long time. The young calf drank immediately after birth and continues to nurse very well.”

(c) PLANCKENDAEL / JONAS VERHULST(c) PLANCKENDAEL / JONAS VERHULST(c) PLANCKENDAEL / JONAS VERHULST

It is staying close to its mother in the stable and the small outdoor enclosure and is due to be introduced to the rest of the herd later this week. ​

The Kordofan giraffe is a critically endangered subspecies that primarily lives in the Garamba National Park in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It faces threats from war, poaching and habitat loss.

The birth is particularly significant as it allows the transmission of the genetic lines of both parents within the European Kordofan giraffe breeding programme for the first time. The programme needs more females to ensure the future of the population.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO PLANCKENDAEL / JONAS VERHUSLT}

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