The Wilds Welcomes a Masai Giraffe Calf in to their Herd

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: August 25, 2020 2:10 am

A giraffe calf has been born at the Wilds in Ohio

Photo Credit: The Wilds

The Wilds in Ohio, USA is celebrating the arrival of a male Masai giraffe calf. Mother, Lulu gave birth to the calf in the pasture at 11.05am on Tuesday August 4th 2020.

Animal care staff have been monitoring the calf since its birth and report that he is strong and remaining close to mom.

Mother, Lulu was born at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in October 2012 and moved to The Wilds in 2014. This is her second calf.

The father of this calf is Raha. He was born at the Los Angeles Zoo in April 2006 and arrived at The Wilds in 2009. Raha is a successful father having welcomed eight calves in his time at The Wilds.

This calf brings the total number bred at The Wilds to 19. This is an important achievement in the conservation of Masai giraffes.

“We are extremely proud of the success of our breeding program. This giraffe calf is not only adorable but also represents a wonderful achievement as we continue working collaboratively with other conservation organizations in saving Masai giraffes,” said Vice President of The Wilds Dr. Jan Ramer.

The giraffe calf with mother, Lulu

Photo Credit: The Wilds

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They are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™. This status was only upgraded in 2019 from its previous setting at vulnerable. This shows the increasing threats faced by this species.

As few as 35,000 Masai giraffes may remain in Africa. Their population is declining as a result of habitat degradation and poaching.

“The birth of this endangered Masai giraffe calf is cause for celebration, especially as we know that giraffes need our help more than ever. We remain committed to making a direct and positive impact on protecting wildlife and wild places, and inspiring our guests to join us in taking action to preserve the future of giraffes and other species,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President/CEO Tom Stalf.

The breeding of Raha and Lulu was based on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a program designed to increase the genetic health and diversity of threatened and endangered species in human care.

A giraffe birth is long anticipated with their gestation lasting 15 months. They are standing within minutes of their birth.

Learn more about the giraffe here – Giraffe Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about The Wilds on their website – The Wilds