Endangered Giraffes Born at Longleat
September 21, 2010
The latest species to be added to the "red list" of endangered animals has received a major boost after three baby Rothschild Giraffes have been born at Longleat Safari Park in August. All three Giraffe calves are doing well and can be seen enjoying their new surrounding within the East African Reserve. The first baby to be born has been named Kaiser, a male Rothschild Giraffe and the first to be born to dad, Doto, who was only introduced to the Longleat giraffe ladies in early summer 2009. This young chap measured in at a whopping six foot at birth and is already dwarfing many of his fellow residents in this popular Wiltshire attraction.
Photo Credits: Longleat Safari Park
Head of Section Andy Hayton confirmed “We are really delighted with the safe arrival of young Kaiser. He is already proving popular with our visitors and has become a bit of a star in the East Africa Reserve as he scampers around in the early morning full of the joys of spring!”
Despite his young age, Kaiser is already one of the more famous of Longleat’s residents as it was his mum, Imogen, who captivated millions of viewers on the BBC series ‘Animal Park’ when she underwent an emergency caesarean following severe complications in her first pregnancy. Five years on and two successful pregnancies later, Imogen seems to have put her initial complications aside.
Andy confirmed “We believe that Imogen was the first giraffe to have ever survived an emergency caesarean operation. To be standing here just a few years later with Kaiser, her second successful youngster, is nothing short of a miracle and one that we’re truly delighted with. Imogen is a fabulous mum and just seems to get on with it. She’s one of Longleat’s real characters and can easily be spotted as she generally wanders around with her tongue hanging out!”
Longleat has one of the most successful breeding programmes for the Rothschild Giraffe in the UK. It is one of the most endangered of the giraffe species with only 300-400 still remaining in the wild.
The Rothschild Giraffe can easily be identified from its fellow giraffe species as it has no markings on its lower legs. The pattern of a giraffe’s coat is as unique as the human fingerprint.
Despite his young age, Kaiser is already one of the more famous of Longleat’s residents as it was his mum, Imogen, who captivated millions of viewers on the BBC series ‘Animal Park’ when she underwent an emergency caesarean following severe complications in her first pregnancy. Five years on and two successful pregnancies later, Imogen seems to have put her initial complications aside.
Andy confirmed “We believe that Imogen was the first giraffe to have ever survived an emergency caesarean operation. To be standing here just a few years later with Kaiser, her second successful youngster, is nothing short of a miracle and one that we’re truly delighted with. Imogen is a fabulous mum and just seems to get on with it. She’s one of Longleat’s real characters and can easily be spotted as she generally wanders around with her tongue hanging out!”
Longleat has one of the most successful breeding programmes for the Rothschild Giraffe in the UK. It is one of the most endangered of the giraffe species with only 300-400 still remaining in the wild.
The Rothschild Giraffe can easily be identified from its fellow giraffe species as it has no markings on its lower legs. The pattern of a giraffe’s coat is as unique as the human fingerprint.