Leipzig Zoo witnesses a novel exhibit as a young giraffe learns and displays its initial trick
The Leipzig Zoo recently welcomed a new addition to its family, as a Rothschild giraffe was born on July 25. This birth is significant as the Rothschild giraffe, a subspecies nearly extinct in South Sudan and northern Uganda, is classified as endangered in the wild.
The newborn giraffe was introduced to a 2.5 hectare savannah environment and met its father Matyas, brother Kiano, and the rest of the herd two weeks after birth. Matyas, born in Prague on February 13, 2019, is the only breeding bull in Leipzig.
Leipzig Zoo is a member of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and contributes to the survival of Rothschild giraffes. Zoos registered with Species360, which includes Leipzig Zoo, hold over 1,600 giraffes worldwide, aiding species survival through managed breeding programs.
The birth occurred around late July, as expected, and the giraffe stood on its legs within two hours after birth. Jens Hirmer, the area manager, expressed happiness about the smooth and quick birth.
For visitors planning a trip to the zoo, it's open from 9 to 19 until September 30, and from 9 to 17 in November and December. The tram line 12 stops right in front of the main entrance of Leipzig Zoo, making it easily accessible. For further information about planning a visit, visit zoo-leipzig.de/en/visit-us/.
In the wild, significant conservation efforts for Rothschild giraffes are ongoing, especially in Kenya. The Giraffe Manor serves as a key breeding center for this highly endangered subspecies and plays an important role in stabilizing their numbers by breeding and releasing individuals back into the wild. Donations linked to tourism at Giraffe Manor support the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), which undertakes conservation programs surrounding these giraffes. Furthermore, relocations within Kenya are used as a conservation tool to improve biodiversity and connect protected areas, benefiting Rothschild giraffe populations and maintaining Kenya's wild heritage.
These combined efforts in situ and ex situ are critical to preserve the Rothschild giraffe and eventually restore healthier population levels in the wild.
| Aspect | Status & Efforts | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Wild Population | Endangered status; declining due to habitat loss and direct threats[1][2][4] | | Kenya Conservation | Giraffe Manor breeding & release program; AFEW funding; relocation projects supporting biodiversity[3][5] | | Leipzig Zoo Role | Likely active in captive breeding; part of Species360 network supporting conservation[1] |
[1] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) [2] World Wildlife Fund (WWF) [3] Giraffe Manor [4] Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) [5] African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW)
In the spirit of conservation, Leipzig Zoo's Rothschild giraffe birth is a positive step in preserving this endangered subspecies, contributing to a home-and-garden for the species both in zoos and the wild. Meanwhile, establishments like the Giraffe Manor in Kenya play a pivotal role in enhancing the lifestyle of Rothschild giraffes in their natural habitat, aiding in their survival while maintaining Kenya's wild heritage.
