ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Zoo has confirmed at least two of its giraffes are expecting.
"We have confirmed through various blood tests that two giraffes are expecting," said Abilene Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Carle.
According to the zoo, Jaime and Punk could give birth later this month. The third giraffe, Sunny, has not allowed zoo staff to confirm her pregnancy with a blood test.
"So far, the pregnancies all appear to be progressing well. The vet team is ready to intervene, however necessary. Still, we are hoping for no complications, with healthy babies that do not need our help!" said Carle.
The Abilene Zoo also confirmed the sire of the new baby giraffes is Congo. Congo arrived at the zoon back in June 2019 from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. According to staff, Congo showed interest in the female giraffes during their initial introduction.
"Our goal is to increase our herd and to increase the giraffe population," said Abilene Zoo General Curator Denise Ibarra. "Any giraffe birth is significant due to the species' decline in the wild. Africa's overall giraffe population has decreased by as much as 40% in the last three decades and are now endangered."
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