Meet our miraculous new Rothschild’s giraffe calf
August 28, 2024
Guests visiting the zoo over the last week may have noticed that the giraffe house was closed and we’re thrilled to be able to announce why!
Ruby, one of our female giraffes, went into labour on Wednesday and gave birth to a miraculous new arrival, an adorable male Rothschild’s giraffe calf.
Mother Ruby, Father Mburu and their calf are all Rothschild’s giraffes and the species is listed as Near Threatened on the Internation Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
The gorgeous bundle of joy, who already stands at over 5ft tall, is the first newborn addition to Marwell Zoo’s giraffe herd since 2012, which is also the year Ruby was born!
This is even more spectacular given that Ruby was on birth control making her new calf a little miracle baby.
The tiny giraffe is living proof that nature often finds a way against all odds and we had to close the giraffe house to give them both the best chance of survival.
Shortly after he was born, the calf picked up an infection that needed treating with antibiotics whilst Ruby was suffering discomfort when feeding.
As a first-time mother Ruby was unsure about the new arrival and both struggled getting used to feeding. It is testament to the fantastic work of our Hoofstock and Veterinary Teams that they’ve both come so far.
Working together our teams encouraged the pair to bond whilst making sure the youngster didn’t become dehydrated, a very real risk when early feeding isn’t successful.
The calf isn’t out of the woods yet as the risk of another infection is high and babies are always more vulnerable in the early days, but things are looking much more positive.
Elyse Summerfield-Smith, Zoo Veterinarian, said: “Ruby had a normal labour, and the calf arrived after just under 4 hours of labour.
“Ruby is a first-time mum, and just like all first-time mums she was a little nervous at first! However, with peace and quiet and plenty of help and support from the Hoofstock and Veterinary Teams she has settled into her role.
“Christa (the zoo’s other female giraffe) was a great support to Ruby during labour and has been enjoying her role as “Auntie Christa” ever since!
“Despite a short labour, Ruby had a difficult recovery necessitating a few days quiet for medical treatment, however she is now back to full health.
“Ruby’s calf found it a little bit tricky working out where the milk came from in the beginning, but after some care from the veterinary and Hoofstock teams, he seems to have cracked it now!
“He’s an inquisitive chap and likes exploring all his surroundings. Like all small children, he absolutely hates his mum cleaning behind his ears!”
Zoe Newnham, Senior Animal Keeper, Hoofstock, said: “Like all new babies, the giraffe calf has given the Hoofstock and Veterinary Teams more than a few sleepless nights but we’re delighted that Ruby and her calf are doing really well.
“Each day he’s becoming more inquisitive, more confident and is providing a lot of joy for the keepers.
“It’s lovely to see Ruby bonding with him as she learns how to be a mum. The calf is growing into his neck and legs, finding his feet and growing well. It’s a very exciting time for the team.”
The giraffe house is due to reopen to guests on Thursday 29 August but everyone will need to be calm, quiet and considerate when visiting.
Guests will also need to be patient whilst zoo staff work to make sure everyone has a chance to see this precious new arrival.
The calf needs time to adjust to having people in the house, so we will be operating a one-way system and only allowing guests through in small groups.
We will be asking guests to keep moving through the house to make it fair for everyone and keep things as normal as possible for our giraffe herd.
Tips if you’re hoping to visit our new arrival
- Please be patient and be prepared to queue – We are limiting access to the giraffe house so that mum and baby aren’t overwhelmed.
- Be aware the giraffe house will close at 3pm – The calf is only a week old and needs his rest.
- We can’t guarantee he will be indoors – our giraffes do have access to an outdoors area and have free choice to take themselves outside if they need a break.
- Come back later – If the queue is particularly long or you don’t get to see the calf in his house, please enjoy the rest of the zoo and come back later.
- Take photos but please be considerate – Flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
- Be mindful of the one way system – In order to ensure everyone has a fair chance of seeing Ruby and her calf, a one way system is in place. Please enter through the front of the house and exit at the side as directed by staff.
- Check outside – Proud father, Mburo, may well be visible outside. You can see him from the boardwalk or the front viewing area.
