First giraffe calf in 28 years makes debut in Singapore as country celebrates its 50th anniversary
Image 1 (above): The first giraffe calf born in Singapore Zoo in 28 years curiously explores its surroundings. This male calf was born on August 31 this year, and is the first offspring of mother Roni and father Growie. Roni and Growie arrived at Singapore Zoo from Israel and the Netherlands in 2005 respectively.
Image 2 (below): Mother Roni with her male calf born on August 31 this year. This male calf is the first giraffe born in Singapore Zoo in 28 years, and also the tallest newborn during Singapore’s 50th National Day celebrations.
Image credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
China, November 13, 2015 — After 28 years of waiting, Singapore Zoo welcomed the birth of its first giraffe calf on August 31 this year. Standing tall at 1.9 metres, the gangly newcomer is the tallest baby born in Singapore during the country’s 50th National Day celebrations, symbolising prosperity and growth in the years ahead.
The calf is the first offspring of mother Roni and father Growie, who arrived at Singapore Zoo from Israel and the Netherlands in 2005 respectively. The yet-to-be-named calf has grown 40 centimetres since birth and now stands at 2.3 metres tall.
In the first month after the calf’s birth, keepers kept the pair away from the rest of the herd to encourage bonding between mother and calf and to ensure the best care for the newborn. The surroundings were also specially arranged with the calf’s safety in mind to allow it to explore its new world. Existing fences were also modified to ensure the safety of the young calf.
Gradually, mother and calf rejoined the herd — which includes father Growie and another female, Lucy, who came to Singapore with Roni. The integration process took about three weeks as keepers wanted the herd to better accept the calf. The four now get along well and can often be seen grooming one another, growing more bonded each day.
In addition to its mother’s milk, the calf now occasionally snacks on chopped leaves and carrots. The young giraffe spends its days exploring its surroundings in the zoo’s African Savannah exhibit and running around in its environment. It is gradually getting used to passing trams and visitors, but sometimes still runs back to its tall mother when faced with unfamiliar sights.
“The birth of an animal calf is always a cause for celebration, as it reflects how comfortable and safe the animals are in the environments we have carefully created for them. I hope this calf will capture the hearts of our visitors and encourage them to learn more about giraffes, as well as the other creatures that share their habitat,” said Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
Although giraffes are currently listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species, habitat destruction and fragmentation pose threats to their population. They are also hunted to some extent for their meat, hide and tails — with tails used to make good-luck bracelets, fly whisks and beaded necklaces, and hides for covers.
The giraffe calf has been adopted by Abbott Nutrition (Singapore), which provided GROW brand growing-up milk powder. A naming contest for the little one will be held next month.
Visitors to Singapore Zoo are welcome to take photos of the calf and share them online with the hashtag #sg50babygiraffe. Visit www.zoo.com.sg/sg50babygiraffe to follow the calf’s progress.
About Singapore Zoo
Nestled within a rainforest, Singapore Zoo is famed for its open concept and offers visitors the opportunity to experience and learn about nature. Home to over 300 species and around 2,800 animals, of which 26% are threatened, the zoo is internationally recognised for its conservation efforts and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and to become a leading global hub for veterinary care and research, the zoo built the Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre in March 2006. Each year, 1.7 million visitors enjoy an educational experience in the award-winning 26-hectare zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. It has been designated by the government as a rescue centre for wildlife.
Singapore Zoo is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. For more information, visit www.zoo.com.sg.
About Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS)
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the parent company of award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Wonders and Singapore Zoo. WRS is committed to developing its parks into world-class leisure destinations that offer immersive and meaningful wildlife experiences in naturalistic habitats for animals and birds.
As a self-funded organisation, WRS also actively collaborates with various organisations and institutions to implement numerous conservation and research projects aimed at protecting wildlife. The parks are popular with both local and international visitors — Jurong Bird Park receives about 800,000 visitors annually, Night Safari over 1.1 million, River Wonders 1 million, and Singapore Zoo more than 1.7 million. The newest park, River Wonders, officially opened on 28 February 2014.
For more information, visit www.wrs.com.sg, wrs.sg, wrs.ig, @tweetWRS