A baby reticulated giraffe has been born at Schönbrunn Zoo, with zoo officials describing the birth as “picture-perfect.”
The calf arrived in the early hours of Thursday, and despite the natural risks of giraffes giving birth standing up, both mother and baby are doing well so far.
Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, the zoo’s director, explained: “The birth is always a risky moment for giraffes, as the calf drops from a height of around two metres. But thankfully, it went smoothly.”
As is typical for newborn giraffes, the first few days are critical. To ensure the best possible start, mother and calf are being closely monitored by a dedicated team of experts who are observing their behaviour via cameras installed in the giraffe house. “Our priority is to allow the mother to raise the calf naturally. We’re hopeful that the calf will continue to thrive,” said Hering-Hagenbeck.
For now, the pair is kept separate from the rest of the herd, either alone or with another familiar female, in line with the behaviour observed in the wild where female giraffes isolate themselves before giving birth. In preparation for the birth, the zoo outfitted part of the giraffe house with special padded flooring to provide a non-slip surface for the newborn. “The mother and calf are still in this area and are not yet visible to visitors,” the zoo added.
If all goes well, the rest of the herd, including the calf’s older sister, will be introduced to the new arrival in the coming weeks. “A birth is a significant event for the entire herd. Calves bring fresh energy and excitement to the group,” said Eveline Dungl, the zoo’s curator.
The birth has been met with great excitement, not only in Vienna but also internationally, as reticulated giraffes are a critically endangered species. The calf represents a valuable contribution to European conservation efforts. “Conservation breeding programmes play a crucial role in preserving endangered species, ensuring healthy genetic populations in human care, and protecting species from extinction,” the zoo said.
