Belfast Zoo reveal baby giraffe's cute new name voted by the public
What a cutie? 🦒
Last updated 26th Feb 2023
A Rothschild’s giraffe was born at Belfast Zoo on Sunday 5th February 2023, just in time to celebrate Valentine’s day.
Belfast Zoo has been home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe since 1988 and this birth marks the 40th Rothchild’s giraffe born.
Proud mum Neja gave birth naturally in the early hours of the morning inside the giraffe house, this is her fifth calf, and she is taking everything in stride.
The mother and daughter have stayed in the giraffe house for a few days together to give them plenty of bonding time.
It is tradition at Belfast Zoo to name giraffes after places beginning with “Bally”. The Zoo asked the public to help pick the newborn's name, and just yesterday a winner was picked.
Ballysally!
One of the most endangered giraffe subspecies, it’s estimated that around 2,000 remain in the wild, due to illegal hunting for meat and hide and a continuing loss of habitat.
Sustained conservation action has helped the giraffe population move from ‘endangered’ status to ‘near threatened’ on the IUCN Red List, but Rothschild’s giraffes remain Endangered, with efforts continuing to help support their conservation.
Alyn Cairns, Zoo Manager, said “We’re delighted to welcome a new calf to the herd. We first welcomed the Rothschild’s giraffe in 1988 and we’re excited to be celebrating birth number 40! We’re proud to participate in a European breeding programme and collaborate with zoos around the world.”
The new calf is currently on show and can be visited daily. Mother and calf will be monitored by the keeping team and any changes will be announced on social media.
The zoo is open from 10am until 4pm (last entry is currently 2.30pm).
Read more:
McFly join Lewis Capaldi at Belfast VITAL this summer!
North West 200: motorcycling spectacle OFF this year
Watch the Valentine's Day Charity Boxing Match LIVE at home