Keepers celebrate ‘little miracle baby’ giraffe born at Hampshire zoo
The male calf is the first newborn addition to Marwell Zoo’s giraffe herd since 2012, a spokeswoman said.
Keepers at a Hampshire zoo are celebrating the “miracle” birth of a baby giraffe despite the mother taking contraception.
Ruby, a Rothschild’s giraffe, gave birth to the male calf at Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, last Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for the zoo said: “Mother Ruby, father Mburu and their calf are all Rothschild’s giraffes and the species is listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
“This is even more spectacular given that Ruby was on birth control, making her new calf a little miracle baby.”
The spokeswoman explained that the giraffe house had to be closed following the birth because the calf picked up an infection that needed treating with antibiotics.
She said: “As a first-time mother, Ruby was unsure about the new arrival and both struggled getting used to feeding.
“The calf isn’t out of the woods yet as the risk of another infection is high and babies are always more vulnerable in the early days, but things are looking much more positive.”
Elyse Summerfield-Smith, zoo veterinarian, said: “Ruby had a normal labour, and the calf arrived after just under four hours of labour.
“Ruby is a first-time mum, and just like all first-time mums she was a little nervous at first.
“Despite a short labour, Ruby had a difficult recovery necessitating a few days quiet for medical treatment, however she is now back to full health.
“Ruby’s calf found it a little bit tricky working out where the milk came from in the beginning, but after some care from the veterinary and hoofstock teams, he seems to have cracked it now.
“He’s an inquisitive chap and likes exploring all his surroundings. Like all small children, he absolutely hates his mum cleaning behind his ears.”
“Each day he’s becoming more inquisitive, more confident and is providing a lot of joy for the keepers.
“It’s lovely to see Ruby bonding with him as she learns how to be a mum. The calf is growing into his neck and legs, finding his feet and growing well. It’s a very exciting time for the team.”
