Stop what you’re doing: Fota’s new baby giraffe is the cutest thing you’ll see today
Fota Wildlife Park has just welcomed a major new addition to the family.
A critically endangered female Nubian giraffe calf was born at the park on Monday, June 15th—arriving just in time for International Giraffe Day.
Standing at an impressive six feet tall from day one, the baby girl is the second calf born to seasoned mum Aoife and dad Ferdie.
The birth is a massive win for international conservation efforts. With fewer than 4,000 Nubian giraffes estimated to be left in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching, every new arrival is a beacon of hope for the species.
Lead Ranger Aidan Rafferty described the emotional moment of the birth, which the team had been anticipating for nearly 15 months:
“The calf made the typical six-foot drop, landed safely, and was standing on all four feet within the first half hour. Watching those first moments is an incredibly moving experience and a hugely rewarding one for the entire team.”
After spending a few quiet days being closely monitored by her keepers, the strong little calf has officially been integrated into the main herd. She is now happily living side-by-side with eight other giraffes just as she would in the wild.
Want a Free Annual Pass?
In keeping with Fota’s long-standing tradition, the new calf needs an Irish name – following in the footsteps of her mother Aoife, grandmother Róisín, and older sister Clodagh.
If you think you have the perfect Irish name for the park’s newest resident, you can drop your suggestion into the collection box at the Serengeti Shop on your next visit. If your name is picked, you’ll walk away with a free annual pass to Fota Wildlife Park.
The naming competition runs until July 30th, so get your thinking caps on. Fota is open daily from 9:30am all summer long.
