Every expectant mom can relate to the long, nerve-wracking wait. We all know the awkwardness of those “So… is the baby ever coming?” remarks. Seriously, who thinks they’re more impatient than a woman about to give birth? Now, picture stretching that questioning out over a whopping 16 months! That’s the journey April the giraffe has been on, and today, she finally gave birth, much to her relief.
This morning, at Adventure Park in Harpursville, N.Y., April welcomed her fourth calf, with proud papa Oliver watching nearby. As reported by the NY Daily News, although April is no stranger to motherhood, this marks the first baby giraffe born at Adventure Park. The zoo got so excited about the impending arrival that they set up a livestream back in February. With such a long wait, some even started speculating that the whole thing was a publicity stunt instead of a real pregnancy. Well, April put those rumors to rest with a miraculous moment today!
The zoo shared a 40-minute video of the birth, but if you’re itching to skip to the good part, fast-forward to minute 27. That’s when the drama unfolds, and a precious little giraffe tumbles into the world. The scene gets a tad messy, as the placenta and fluids follow, but hey, parents know this is par for the course. After the big arrival, you can catch April lovingly tending to her little one via the zoo’s live feed, though the gender of the calf is still a mystery.
Unlike our fragile human babies, baby giraffes (yes, that’s what they’re called) can stand up just minutes after birth. Nature has a way of making sure they can quickly reach their mom for nursing—talk about efficiency! These little ones usually measure around six feet tall and have a unique birth process where the umbilical cord detaches during their six-foot drop. Kind of makes you cringe, right? But nature knows best, and both mom and baby seem to be thriving. As for the internet, it’s buzzing with excitement as comments pour in from eager fans finally relieved that the wait is over.
According to The Inquisitr, a naming contest is in the works for the new addition, so it may take a bit to find out the official name. In the meantime, we hope April is soaking up every moment with her new little one, just like any new mom would. Curious about home insemination? Check out this insightful post for more information. If you’re looking for tips on fertility, Make A Mom offers some great resources on supplements. And for an excellent overview of pregnancy, Healthline is a fantastic resource.
In summary, April the giraffe has finally given birth after 16 long months, bringing joy to her fans and marking a special moment for Adventure Park. The internet is buzzing with excitement as everyone awaits the official name for the newborn calf.