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Zoo’s giraffe due to give birth any day

Posted by: Gigi Allianic, Communications


The question on everyone's mind is: who will give birth first—the Duchess of Cambridge or the Duchess of Phinney Ridge?

Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

The zoo's own duchess, 6-year-old Rothschild’s giraffe Olivia, is expected to give birth any day now. With a gestation period of 14 to 15 months, Olivia’s window to give birth is pretty wide—it began June 24 and closes August 12, explained Martin Ramirez, a curator at the zoo. Olivia’s belly is pretty big and she’s carrying low so we expect a calf any day.

Zookeepers are keeping a close watch for signs of labor which may include restlessness, loss of appetite, or biting or licking her flanks. We will bring Olivia into the barn and mobilize a 24-hour birth watch at the first sign of labor, and we also have a den cam installed in the barn to monitor the new family.

The last viable birth of a giraffe at the zoo was in 1997. There’s a lot of excitement at the zoo for this baby. It’s been a long time since we've had a baby giraffe running on our savanna so we can’t wait!

We'll be sure to share any news here. Stay tuned!

Comments

Unknown said…
That is so awesome!!!!
Katja R. said…
I love giraffes! Olivia is lovely, and I can't wait to see the baby. I will find some way of going to see her and the baby.
Anonymous said…
Awesome news! I can't wait to see the baby giraffe!
Anonymous said…
I can't wait to meet Chioke's baby! :D
Anonymous said…
Is everything okay? We are waiting for an update.
This baby is taking its time! No signs of labor yet, but Olivia is in good health and it could be any day now. We'll certainly post an update when we have news!
Unknown said…
WHOO HOO!!! so glad Olivia is doing well.
thanks for updating...
Anonymous said…
I saw the video of the giraffe giving birth, not gross. the baby was SO cute though!!! :DD
Anonymous said…
whats the baby's name and Gender?
It's a boy, but no official name just yet. That'll be coming soon!