Berlin Zoo Welcomes Rare Rothschild's Giraffe Calves with Unique Names

In a heartening development for conservation efforts, Berlin's Tierpark zoo has welcomed two endangered Rothschild's giraffe calves. The births, occurring on June 24 and August 11, 2023, have brought joy to the zoo community and highlighted the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.

The naming process for the newborns took an innovative approach. A local school class contributed the name "Berti" for the male calf, derived from their mascot giraffe named Gisbert. The female calf was named "Emily" after the zoo director's daughter, who coincidentally stands at approximately the same height as a newborn giraffe.

Rothschild's giraffes, named after British zoologist Walter Rothschild, are one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies. With fewer than 1,100 individuals remaining in the wild, their conservation status is critical. These giraffes are distinguished by their unique features, including five ossicones instead of the usual two, and rectangular patches that are less jagged compared to other subspecies.

The newborns join a herd of nine other Rothschild's giraffes at Tierpark, including their mothers and shared father. Excitingly, the zoo anticipates the arrival of another calf in September 2023, as giraffe cow Maude is pregnant. This unusual frequency of births has delighted zookeeper Claudia Walther, who noted the rarity of having three calves born so close together.

Berti and Emily have significant growth potential. The male calf could reach a height of 5.80 meters and weigh up to 1.8 metric tons, while the female might grow to 4.50 meters and 1.2 metric tons. In captivity, these giraffes can live up to 35 years, a decade longer than their wild counterparts.

Rothschild's giraffes, also known as Baringo or Ugandan giraffes, face numerous threats in their native habitats of Kenya and Uganda. Illegal hunting and habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion are primary concerns. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this subspecies, first scientifically described in 1903.

Interesting facts about giraffes include their remarkably short sleep patterns, typically lasting only 20 minutes to 2 hours per day in short bursts. Despite their long necks, giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans: seven. Newborn giraffes display incredible resilience, capable of standing within 30 minutes of birth.

The arrival of Berti and Emily at Tierpark not only brings joy to visitors but also contributes to the vital conservation of Rothschild's giraffes. As these calves grow and thrive, they serve as ambassadors for their species, educating the public about the importance of protecting these unique and endangered animals.

"Three calves at once and then so close together, that's really great."

As Tierpark continues its conservation efforts, the birth of these Rothschild's giraffe calves offers hope for the future of this endangered subspecies. The zoo's success in breeding and caring for these magnificent animals plays a crucial role in ensuring their survival for generations to come.