Your cart is currently empty!
After 16 Long Months, April the Giraffe Finally Welcomes Her Calf
April 15, 2017
Every mom can relate to the anticipation and pressure that comes with pregnancy. Many have experienced the dreaded inquiries of “Is the baby ever going to arrive?” It’s hard to imagine a more eager audience than a mother-to-be. Now, picture enduring those inquiries for a staggering 16 months—this is the joy that April the giraffe must feel after finally giving birth.
This morning, April gave birth to her fourth calf at Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York, with the proud giraffe dad, Oliver, watching closely. According to reports from NY Daily News, while April is no novice, this marks the first giraffe born at Adventure Park, prompting the zoo to set up a livestream back in February for her fans. As the waiting stretched on, some skeptics even speculated whether April’s pregnancy was merely a publicity stunt. Today, she put those doubts to rest in a breathtaking moment.
The zoo shared a 40-minute video of the birth, but for those eager to see the pivotal moment, fast forward to the 27-minute mark. That’s when the dramatic arrival of a tiny giraffe unfolds. The scene becomes a bit chaotic as April’s placenta, blood, and fluid follow her newborn, but any parent knows this is a natural part of the process. Following the delivery, viewers can watch April lovingly care for her little one, whose gender remains a mystery for now.
Unlike human infants, baby giraffes, known as calves, can stand shortly after birth—an adaptation that allows them to reach their mothers quickly for nursing. Typically, these calves are around six feet tall at birth, and they experience a unique exit, with their umbilical cord detaching during the drop. Anyone else feeling a mix of awe and apprehension? But nature knows best, and it seems both mom and calf are thriving. After months of anticipation, fans online are buzzing with excitement, sharing their joy at the long-awaited arrival.
In addition, the zoo has announced a naming contest, so it might take some time before the new addition receives an official name. Meanwhile, we hope April enjoys every moment with her new kiddo, just like any new mom would. For those interested in exploring more about home insemination options, check out our post on home insemination kits. If you’re looking for information on fertility supplements, Make A Mom offers great insights. Additionally, you can find valuable resources about fertility and insurance at UCSF.
In summary, April the giraffe’s long-awaited delivery has finally taken place, delighting fans and bringing joy to the Adventure Park community. With a naming contest on the horizon, the excitement surrounding this event will continue.