Zoo keepers at Flamingo Land had an extra special reason to celebrate Mother’s Day this year with the arrival of a six foot bundle of legs and neck.
In the early hours of Sunday morning (31st March), 9-year-old Rothschild’s giraffe Savannah gave birth to her second calf, the first born at the zoo for six years.
The father, four-year-old Albert, only arrived at Flamingo Land in September 2023 as part of the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP).
This is his first offspring and keepers confirmed this week that the calf is a male.
Keepers have named him Kijana, meaning ‘young man’ in Swahili.
Head Keeper Sam DeBelle said:
“This was a fantastic surprise for the giraffe team on Sunday morning.
“We knew Savannah was pregnant, we just did not know when she was due. To find a calf on Mother’s day, just makes it extra special’.
“The zoo now has eight Rothschild’s giraffes, however there could be more to come. Park Executive Ross Snipp explained “In total we have five females, all of whom we believe could be pregnant, we are certainly expecting more calves this year.
“With less than 1400 reported in the wild every birth is a significant milestone.
“This year we hope to celebrate several of these milestones and continue to contribute to this important breeding programme”.
After spending the first few days bonding with his mother, Kijana is now out and about with the rest of the herd and guests to Flamingo Land will be able to see him throughout the Easter Holidays.

Route timings revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run
Pilot dies following aircraft crash near Masham, police confirm
Ripon's Portly Pig to host charity football tournament
Council to review parking charges across North Yorkshire
Free packed lunches at Starbeck café feed families in need
Harrogate dentist recognised at national dental awards
Knaresborough beeswax candle shop set to close
Harrogate Town launches new half-time crossbar challenge
Queen and ABBA tribute acts to headline Harrogate Beer Festival
Ripon entrepreneur to appear on Dragon's Den
Harrogate figures to be 'jailed' to raise money for Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate bookshop named as finalist for British Book Awards
Council update on operator of Alpamare water park
Visitor levy would be mayor's decision, says senior councillor
Date announced for return of Harrogate dog show
Harrogate's Italian community donates sensory kits worth £1,200 to Harrogate Hospital
Man taken to Leeds General infirmary following aircraft crash in Masham
Six arrested following car theft in Harrogate
FULL CHAT: Local occupational therapist hosts online masterclass to support new mums
Harrogate businesses reject new accommodation BID proposal


