Like most giraffe births, Kahlani made a memorable entrance into the world. She, like most other giraffe calves, was born while the mother is standing, resulting in a six-foot drop at birth.
“Kahlani found a special place in our hearts almost instantaneously. Despite being the fourth calf born in eight months, she has a personality of her own,” said Cassidy Mazzone, Gulf Breeze Zoo Park Director. “She enjoys her training sessions with the hoofstock team and is being introduced to the rest of the giraffe herd.”
The Gulf Breeze Zoo added three giraffe calves to their exhibit less than a year ago. Arrow, a female calf, was born Oct. 22. Within that same week, on Oct. 25, male calf Salem was born, followed closely by female calf Kelly’s birth October 27. Reticulated giraffes are among the most iconic yet vulnerable animals in Africa, and all four giraffe births are significant in helping to protect the species.
“Every birth is not only a joyful moment for our team but also meaningful for giraffe conservation and ensuring future generations,” said Mazzone.
Listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, reticulated giraffe populations have suffered a decline of nearly 40% during the past 30 years, largely due to habitat loss and poaching. With wild populations estimated between 4,500 and 4,700, each birth is a hopeful step in the effort to protect the species.
Guests can catch a glimpse of the energetic giraffe calf during daily visits from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Although she’s still too young to enjoy romaine lettuce, guests can feed other members of the giraffe tower or book an up-close giraffe encounter at 1 p.m. daily.