Beekse Bergen celebrates the birth of as many as three Nubian giraffes

Triple celebration at Safaripark Beekse Bergen: no fewer than three Nubian giraffes were born in January. They are two males and a female named Bata, Kito and Milele. The births are good news for the park and for the preservation of the species worldwide. It does not have it easy in the wild and is known to be vulnerable.

The new year started well at Beekse Bergen with the birth of Bata on Saturday, January 4. Kito followed on Wednesday, Jan. 8, and Milele came into the world on Friday, Jan. 17. Rolf Veenhuizen, head of animal care: "We did know that there would be some births, since we observed some mating last year. So the fact that now three were born in a short time was no surprise to us as animal caretakers. But even so, it is wonderful news and incredibly important for the conservation of the species."

The youngsters and their mothers are doing well. Veenhuizen: "The mothers are caring and are picking up parenthood well. Bata, Kito and Milele are drinking well and are curious about each other and the rest of the group. Father Gem is also already showing cautious interest." To give the newborns rest, they stay behind the scenes for a while longer. The visitors' room is open. As soon as weather conditions permit, the animals will be on the plains for visitors to see.

Contribution to species conservation.

Safaripark Beekse Bergen is participating in the European Management Program (EEP) for Nubian giraffes. This program aims to maintain a healthy reserve population of these animals in zoos. "The cub's 10-year-old father came to Safaripark in October 2023, so he provided offspring almost immediately," Veenhuizen says. "We are proud to contribute to the survival of the species with the birth of this giraffe. Our animals are ambassadors of their kind in the wild."

The Nubian giraffe, one of the most endangered giraffe species, is native to the savannahs of East Africa. Deforestation, urban and agricultural expansion and poaching have drastically reduced the species' habitat in recent decades.

In the wild

Safaripark supports through Stichting Wildlife the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF). This organization focuses entirely on the protection and management of giraffes in the wild. Through research, protection and education, the foundation seeks to stop the decline of giraffe populations.