The Baringo subspecies is in danger of extinction, so its reproduction is essential.

Last week a baby giraffe was born, a genetically pure specimen of the subspecies baringo (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi). With this hopeful news, BIOPARC Valencia begins this new year.

Mother, Zora, has already given birth on other occasions and is raising this new giraffe with complete naturalness. The father, Julius, is the only adult male specimen that lives in BIOPARC Valencia and is the progenitor of the rest of the offspring born in the park.

This subspecies is "in danger of extinction according to the IUCN, due to the destruction of its habitat and poaching. His geographical distribution It includes the central region of Kenya, northern Uganda and southern Sudan and according to the latest data there are less than 1.500 individuals in its natural environment. BIOPARC participates in the EEP (captive breeding program for endangered species) and this new breeding is immersed in this important initiative of preservation of biodiversity.

The little giraffe is doing well and the mother is feeding her normally in her indoor enclosure.

The little giraffe is in perfect condition and the mother pampers her and provides her with all the care. “Aunt” Che accompanies them at all times, providing them with company and tranquility while they remain in their interior enclosures, where they also have a patio to enjoy the beneficial sun and the pleasant temperatures of these days.

In each birth, only one calf is usually born and they usually last about 45 minutes after the water breaks. The gestation period of giraffes is 15 and a half months and the lactation period can last a year, although after a few weeks they begin to show interest in solid food. On this occasion, the birth occurred during the night and the BIOPARC team of caregivers, who were already alert due to the advanced state of pregnancy that the female was presenting, discovered this “good news.”

This African ruminant is the tallest animal known, reaching 6 meters in height. The long neck of giraffes and the front legs that are longer than the rear legs allow them to reach the upper leaves of the trees, avoiding food competition with other herbivores. Having such a prominent neck is also beneficial for having an overview of the savanna, avoiding possible dangers.

Giraffes' fur is yellow with large irregular spots of light or dark brown. The spots on the neck and legs are smaller. This coloration helps them camouflage themselves in the savannah, simulating their environment and avoiding predators. They do not sleep more than 5 minutes at a time and are vulnerable to lions and hyenas when they lower their necks to drink water.