Brookfield Zoo, a renowned zoological institution in Illinois, has recently welcomed a new addition to its giraffe family with the birth of a female reticulated giraffe calf named Kinda. This event marks a significant milestone in the zoo’s ongoing efforts to conserve these magnificent creatures and educate the public about the importance of giraffe conservation.
Key Details About the Calf
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Kinda, which means “beautiful” in Swahili and Arabic |
| Height and Weight | Approximately 6 feet tall and 130 pounds at birth |
| Mother | Arnieta, a 16-year-old reticulated giraffe |
| Father | Ato, a 7-year-old reticulated giraffe |
| Public Debut | Kinda made her public debut on September 8 and can be seen daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Habitat Africa The Savannah exhibit |
Reproductive Complications and Conservation Efforts
Kinda’s birth was not without its challenges. Arnieta, the calf’s mother, had experienced two miscarriages in 2021 and 2022 due to suspected hormone production issues and/or infections. The zoo’s veterinary staff, in collaboration with experts from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, developed a treatment plan that included daily synthetic progesterone and antibiotics to address these complications.
The successful birth of Kinda is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Brookfield Zoo team, as well as their commitment to the conservation of reticulated giraffes. These majestic animals are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), with only about 16,000 individuals remaining in their native habitat.
Giraffe Growth and Development
Giraffe calves are known for their rapid growth rate, with the ability to grow up to 3 feet in the first six months of their lives. Kinda is no exception, and visitors to the Brookfield Zoo can witness her remarkable development over the coming months. Giraffe calves are typically weaned from their mothers between 12 and 16 months of age, a crucial stage in their maturation process.
Visiting Kinda at Brookfield Zoo
Visitors to the Brookfield Zoo can now catch a glimpse of the newest addition to the giraffe family. Kinda can be seen daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Habitat Africa The Savannah exhibit. The zoo’s hours may be extended in the coming weeks to accommodate the increased interest in this special calf.
Supporting Giraffe Conservation
Visitors to the Brookfield Zoo can contribute to the conservation efforts by participating in the Animal Adoption program. This program helps support the care and well-being of the giraffes at the zoo. The Basic Package, which costs $35, includes a photograph, personalized certificate, fact sheet, decal, and an invitation to an exclusive event.
Contact Information
For more information about Kinda and the Brookfield Zoo’s giraffe program, visitors can contact the zoo at (708) 688-8351. For media inquiries, they can reach out to Patty Wetli at (773) 509-5623 or [email protected].