Giraffe Calf is a Record-Setter at Zoo Praha
October 12, 2013
Kleopatra the Giraffe has tied a record at the Czech Republic’s
Zoo Praha: she delivered her 11th calf on the
evening of October 9.
Zoo Praha has an impressive history of breeding these gentle giants: The female calf is the 79th Giraffe calf to be born at the zoo.
Photo Credit: Tomáš Adamec, Zoo Praha
According to the zoo staff, the baby stood soon after the delivery, which is an important milestone in the development of a newborn calf. Giraffe calves typically stand within an hour of birth, and they nurse shortly afterward. This survival skill is important to a calf born on the African savannah. If they can’t follow the herd, they could fall prey to hungry lions or hyenas.
After the exertion of learning to stand, calves often curl up and rest, with mom standing watch close by.