A New Baby Giraffe is Born at Karlsruhe Zoo

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A baby giraffe was born at Karlsruhe Zoo in southwestern Germany on Sunday, marking a significant moment for both the zoo and conservation efforts. The baby’s mother, Wahia, gave birth for the first time in nine years after a 15-month pregnancy. This is her third calf, and both Wahia and her newborn belong to the endangered reticulated giraffe subspecies. The zoo is still waiting to determine the calf's gender, allowing time for mother and baby to bond peacefully.

Wahia, along with two other female giraffes, had been temporarily relocated to Opel Zoo in Kronberg im Taunus during renovations of the African savannah enclosure at Karlsruhe Zoo. While at Opel Zoo, they spent two months with a male giraffe named Timon. One of the female giraffes remained in Kronberg, but Wahia and another giraffe returned to Karlsruhe in the summer of 2023. The timing of this relocation made the recent birth especially exciting for zookeepers and conservationists.

This newborn is not the only giraffe birth in Germany this year; in June, a Rothschild giraffe was born at Berlin’s Tierpark Zoo. The birth of both calves brings attention to the conservation efforts being made to protect endangered giraffe species. Wahia and her baby are part of the reticulated giraffe subspecies, which is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These giraffes are native to parts of Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, where their survival is threatened by habitat loss and poaching. According to the IUCN, only about 10,000 reticulated giraffes remain in the wild.

Karlsruhe Zoo plays an active role in conservation through its participation in the European conservation breeding program run by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). The birth of this calf is a promising sign for the program, as it contributes to the long-term preservation of the species.

As Wahia cares for her newborn, the zookeepers at Karlsruhe Zoo are hopeful for the calf’s future. The birth is a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts, and the zoo aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing giraffes in the wild. Visitors to the zoo will have the opportunity to see this special addition to the giraffe family, and the hope is that it will inspire further support for protecting endangered species.

The successful birth of the baby giraffe underscores the critical role that zoos play in safeguarding animal populations. While Wahia and her calf adjust to their new environment, the broader conservation message remains clear: protecting these majestic animals and their habitats is more important than ever.