Gulf Breeze, Fla. (August 31, 2023) – The Gulf Breeze Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a baby reticulated giraffe. Staff were on hand monitoring as Kenya, a 14-year-old giraffe, gave birth to the 6’3” 160 lb. male on July 13 shortly before midnight.
Giraffes generally give birth to one calf after a gestation of around 457 days (15 months). Giraffes are the tallest land mammals with males reaching up to 18 feet tall and 4,200 lbs. Overall, giraffe populations are considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with population declines of up to 40% in the last three decades due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and ecological changes The vulnerable Reticulated giraffe population has been estimated to range from only 4,500 to 4,700 in the wild and are amongst the most threatened large mammals in the wild so every successful calf is something to celebrate.
Both mother and baby are healthy and thriving. The tower of the giraffe can be seen daily, weather dependent, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although the newest addition is not old enough for romaine yet, romaine cups to feed the other giraffes and tickets for 1 p.m. giraffe encounters to meet the rest of the giraffe herd are available for purchase.
About Gulf Breeze ZooThe Gulf Coast Area’s award-winning Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 1000 exotic animals, many of them threatened and endangered. The Gulf Breeze Zoo is privately owned and receives no state or federal tax support. Through admissions and animal encounters, each guest contributes to the conservation programs. The Zoo offers many hands-on animal encounters and kid’s activities perfect for family day trips, field trips, and more. The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located just off Highway 98. Visit www.GBZoo.com for information about animal encounters, events, seasonal hours, and more.
About Zoofari ParksZoofari Parks – through its Virginia Safari Park, Gulf Breeze Zoo, Alabama Safari Park, and Texas Zoofari Park, is dedicated to wildlife conservation through public education, captive breeding programs, habitat preservation, and providing financial aid and assistance to projects in the field. Funding for conservation programs is made possible through the continued support of zoo guests. Conservation is fundamental in our daily operations and visitors are encouraged to join us in making a difference on this journey.
