AssetID: 53171216
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Oakland Zoo Welcomes Beautiful Baby Giraffe Calf
Caption: This gorgeous girl is Oakland Zoo’s newest giraffe arrival, Kendi. Following an extended pregnancy, which spans an astonishing 14-16 months due to the peculiar nature of giraffes, Kijiji, the mother, gave birth to her first calf on 19 October 2023. weighing approximately 150 lbs and standing at 6.5 feet tall, brings joy to the zoo and its visitors. The name "Kendi" holds special significance, signifying 'loved one' in Swahili, a nod to the language spoken in Kenya, where reticulated giraffes are found in the wild. Kijiji has already demonstrated her loving and protective nature by guiding Kendi into the giraffe barn. The keepers have set up a dedicated area within the barn to allow the calf and her mother to bond peacefully. Kendi, displaying remarkable early development, is already on her feet and moving around the giraffe barn, having successfully nursed from her mother. The plan is for Kendi to remain behind the scenes with her mother for approximately two weeks, allowing the mother and baby to strengthen their relationship. Kijiji's arrival at the Oakland Zoo dates back to 2020, following a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). These plans are established to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied population of AZA-accredited species across zoos in the United States. The Zoo's animal management program is in line with this accreditation, emphasising the positive impact of a healthy herd on the well-being of individual animals. "We're thrilled to welcome a new addition to our giraffe herd. With our staff's expertise, we are well-prepared to support Kijiji as she embarks on this new journey as a mother," says Amy Phelps, Assistant Zoological Manager at Oakland Zoo. Keepers at the zoo describe Kijiji as a giraffe with a curious, intelligent, and sassy personality. Her excellent training skills proved valuable during the months leading up to her delivery, with her active participation in weekly training sessions. It is vital to note that giraffes are categorised as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The expansive range once enjoyed by reticulated giraffes is rapidly shrinking due to factors such as habitat loss, population growth, urban development, agriculture, and mining. These majestic creatures are also victims of the illegal wildlife trade, a highly lucrative enterprise involving the capture, transportation, and sale of a vast number of plants and animals on the black market. Among the animals targeted for trade are giraffes, whose pelts, bones, hair, and tails are exceptionally profitable. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this illegal activity, leading to increased poaching due to food shortages and job losses. The illicit wildlife trade poses a significant threat to global biodiversity and conservation efforts. As Kijiji takes on her role as a mother, she and her calf will serve as ambassadors, educating guests about their wild giraffe counterparts. The presence of giraffes at the Oakland Zoo aims to foster appreciation and awareness of the giraffe species, along with the challenges they face in the wild. The Oakland Zoo collaborates with the Reticulated Giraffe Project in Kenya, a conservation organisation dedicated to working with local communities in Africa to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss, ultimately preserving endangered wild giraffe populations.
Keywords: giraffe,animals,nature,natural world,feature,photo,video
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