We are celebrating the birth of two baby giraffes within a month. The latest arrival was born on Friday 6th June and is called Tiye after a beautiful queen of Ancient Egypt. Tiye, who is already over 6ft tall, is being looked after by her mum, Mary. The name also means beautiful and gorgeous.

She joins baby Christa, who is being reared by her mum Matilda. Born on Wednesday 14th May, Christa’s name has been derived from her Dad, Christopher who sadly passed away last year. Both babies are doing well and can be seen in the family herd.  

Tiye and Christa’s arrival took a long time as giraffes are pregnant for around 15 months. Keepers kept a close eye on both mums and were delighted that both babies were born without any complications.  Head keeper for the giraffes, Ian Goodwin said: “We are thrilled that Christa and Tiye are doing so well. Christa is full of energy and Tiye is looking every inch like her mum and dad as she has inherited their attractive dark markings.”

Matilda and Mary are both very successful mums.  Christa is Matilda’s fifth calf. Her youngest son, Taharqa, can also be seen in the family herd. Mary is also mum to another giraffe, JaJa, who is still living with the family group at Marwell.

Tiye was the Nubian queen of Kemet (Ancient Egypt) (1415-1340 B.C.). Queen Tiye is regarded as one of the most influential Queens ever to rule Kemet.

17th July 2008

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