BELFAST ZOO is celebrating the arrival of an adorable baby giraffe calf, who has become the second calf to be born at the Northern Irish zoo in the space of just three months.
The new addition, already named Ballycare or Clare for short, is the newest addition to the zoo’s herd of Rothschild’s giraffe – one of the most endangered species of giraffe on the planet.
Popular resident Neja the giraffe gave birth to Ballycare late on Thursday evening.
She joins a bustling family alongside three other siblings, who all reside at the zoo.
Both mother and baby are doing just fine, with staff at the zoo on hand to ensure a strong mother-calf bond is developed and that Ballycare is nursing well.
Visitors to Belfast Zoo may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the new addition to the family this weekend.
Measuring in at 175cm, Ballyclare is noticeable tall for her age – something that can only spell good news when it comes to gathering food.
📣 SUPER EXCITING BABY NEWS : Second giraffe calf born in three months 📣
Late last Thursday night, Neja the giraffe,...
Posted by Belfast Zoo on Thursday, August 27, 2020
It also puts her head and shoulders of her older brother, Ronan.
Born back in May, Ronan is one of the shortest giraffe calves to ever grace Belfast Zoo, coming in at just 158cm.
Speaking to Breaking News, Belfast Zoo manager Alyn Cairns paid tribute to the zoo’s first-rate giraffe breeding programme and the continued expertise and dedication of his staff.
“We work collaboratively with zoos around the world and take part in a European breeding programme,” he said.
“Since we became home to the species in 1988, we have celebrated the arrival of 37 calves and we are delighted to welcome little Clare to the herd.”
Often targetted by poachers and under threat due to habitat destruction, news of Ballycare’s arrival is welcome for an iconic and enchanting species that has suffered greatly in recent years.
