Belfast Zoo welcomes new baby giraffe in latest arrival

By Connor Stringer

Belfast Zoo has revealed it's latest arrival to it's giraffe enclosure as 5 foot 9 inch newborn Rothschild calf.

The new addition is the second born at the Zoo in the last three months.

Late on Thursday night, Neja the giraffe, became a fourth-time mother when she gave birth to the herd's newest female.

The baby giraffe, named Ballyclare, is said to be delighting both visitors and staff.

The first calf named Ronan who was born back in May and was one of the shortest giraffe calves ever born at Belfast Zoo at just 5 foot 2 inches.

Belfast Zoo giraffe experience

It was reported that the calf got her balance quickly after birth, seemed very strong, and was able to stand up within an hour of birth.

Mother and baby are both said to be doing well with the keepers and zoo veterinarian closely watching over the pair to ensure the calf is nursing well and the mother-calf bond is strong.

Rothschild's giraffes are one of the most endangered of the nine subspecies.

In a statement, Senior Keeper, Peter Cross explained: “Back at the end of May we welcomed Ronan, who is named after a village in County Londonderry. This time, the team have gone with Ballyclare or ‘Clare’ for short, as it is tradition at Belfast Zoo that any new giraffe calves born are named after towns and villages that begin with Bally.”

Zoo Manager Alyn Cairns believes the success of the zoo’s giraffe breeding programme is due to the expertise and dedication from his team.

“We work collaboratively with zoos around the world and take part in a European breeding programme. 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.”

Belfast Zoo reopened to the public on 5th July.