Since the start of my training here at Londolozi, seeing the birth of a newborn giraffe has always been a dream of mine while guiding. In early 2020, during my training, our group was this close to witnessing one! But, alas, we got there just after the giraffe had given birth. Still, we got to see its very first wobbly steps, which was amazing!
Fast forward over four and a half years, and guess what? We finally got to witness the rare sighting of a mother giraffe giving birth to a newborn calf. Ranger Kyle Gordon was the one who spotted the giraffe right in the middle of the birthing process—how lucky is that? First, the front legs popped out, followed by the head and neck. I rushed across the reserve, hoping with all my might that I’d make it in time to see this incredible moment. And phew, we arrived just 30 seconds before she gave birth!
The birth itself can take some time. Kyle had waited about an hour after finding her already in the process of giving birth
Now, the birth itself can take a while. Poor Kyle had been waiting for about an hour after finding her already in the middle of labour. But once the shoulders were out, the rest happened so fast! The calf tumbled to the ground, and with those long front legs breaking its fall, it landed pretty well, all things considered.
As soon as the shoulders were out the rest was very quick as the calf fell to the ground
With the front legs close to the ground it broke its fall
Did you know that a female giraffe is pregnant for about 15 months? That’s over a year! They’re the only ruminants with such a long pregnancy. When the calf is born, it takes a bit of a tumble—about a 2-meter drop to the ground! Surprisingly, this fall doesn’t hurt the little one at all. In fact, it’s actually super helpful! The drop snaps the umbilical cord, tears the amniotic sac, and gives the calf a bit of a jolt, which helps it take its first breaths. The mother does her best to squat down and shorten the fall, and with those long front legs sticking out first, the landing isn’t as bad as it sounds. Oh, and the calf is about 100kg and 1.7 meters tall at birth—so impressive!
We waited, practically holding our breaths, as the newborn calf was hidden in the long grass. We couldn’t see a thing until—surprise!—its little head popped up! At that moment, we knew this tiny giraffe had made it through the birth.
The first time the newborn calf emerged from the long grass
The mother giraffe was super attentive, licking the calf and cleaning off all the birth fluids while it adjusted to its brand-new world. Within about 15 minutes, you could see the little one trying to get its legs under control. I’ve heard calves can stand within 15 minutes, but this one took its sweet time, managing its first steps after an hour and 15 minutes. But hey, who’s rushing?
The first steps for this newborn calf
Seeing those first steps was nothing short of magical. The mother stayed close by, watching her little one, which isn’t surprising considering how fragile the calf is at this stage.
And guess what? We captured the whole thing on video!
Enjoy the video below…
Hi Kirst, this is the most special and moving blog I read of Londolozi! Oh my, what a spectacular mum and calf! giraffe are so sweet with those large beautiful eyes and long elagant proportions, a newborn is just something your heart beats hard for! Thank you sooo much for this wonder!
Amazing! Just a beautiful site to have captured to share… Thank you
That’s a really special 1st for you Kirst – how enthralling it must have been. Here’s a question for you: do giraffes ever give birth to twins?
A question
we were fortunate enough to see this about 4 years ago with Sean Zeederberg
unfortunately he had forgotten to charge his camera batteries!
was a great memory
just got back to the States form Londo last week
can’t wait to get back
Bill and Kelley Royer
How exciting that you were able to catch the moment. Exquisite. Unique!
Amazing! And a privilege. I would love to be so lucky as to be in the right place at the right time.
Kirst, thank you for sharing such a miraculous event! I was holding my breath hoping a predator was not nearby!
Wow, Kirst, what an absolutely amazing experience! I guess your guests will never ever forget this.
And how tiny the calf looks in comparison to its mother, though it is actually as tall as an adult. A very impressive video. Thanks!
Oh Kirst what an experience seeing this little giraffe being born. Nor wonder you wanted to see this birth and experience seeing it first hand. It really is so beautiful, and the little one is so very cute. Thanks for sharing this magnificent birth.
Oh my, nothing compares to the miracle of birth. Watching the video I began tearing up so I can only imagine how special this experience was for all of you whilst watching from your vehicle. The images leading up to and after its birth, assisted in telling the story. Very few of us actually witness a birth in the wild, mostly arriving after the fact, but even then, it’s wondrous to witness an animal’s first steps with its mother looking in. Great reporting Kirst!
So very amazing. I see why it’s worth the wait to be there for this event. Warms my heart
Fantastic video Kirst, thanks for sharing the experience. It is always wonderful to see new life emerge into our world.
So sweet! Being able to witness any birth in the wild is amazing but that large drop that a giraffe calf has to make is almost unthinkable! How lucky you were to witness it all!
What an incredible sighting! A bucket list item for sure. There is something so tender and moving about seeing a new mother with her baby. I felt similarly when our mares birthed their foals. Watching them bond through the grooming process before their first steps is so heartwarming. I hope this little calf has a long and happy life.
This is so COOL! My favorite animal. I’ve seen a variety of different types in Pilanesberg. Fascinating to watch the birth.
so amazing, thank you for sharing!
Brilliant capture and post Kirst!!