Giraffe Calf is a Record-Setter at Zoo Praha

Kleopatra the Giraffe has tied a record at the Czech Republic’s
Zoo Praha: she delivered her 11^th calf on the
evening of October 9.

Zoo Praha has an impressive history of breeding these gentle
giants: The female calf is the 79^th
Giraffe calf to be born at the zoo.

Photo Credit: Tomáš Adamec, Zoo Praha

According to the zoo staff, the baby stood soon after the
delivery, which is an important milestone in the development of a newborn
calf. Giraffe calves typically stand within
an hour of birth, and they nurse shortly afterward. This survival skill is important to a calf
born on the African savannah. If they
can’t follow the herd, they could fall prey to hungry lions or hyenas.

After the exertion of learning to stand, calves often curl
up and rest, with mom standing watch close by.