In a rare occurrence, twin giraffes were born at Auckland Zoo, though sadly one calf had to be put down. According to Auckland Zoo, only about 30 cases of giraffe twins have been reported worldwide. Here is 7-year-old giraffe mum Kiraka with her new female calf.
The rare birth of twin giraffes at Auckland Zoo came with a bittersweet blow after one of the calves had to be put down.
The twins were born to 7-year-old mother, Kiraka, on the morning of New Year's Eve.
The zoo said it was extremely rare for giraffes to havetwins, with a little over 30 documented cases worldwide.
The male calf with one of the Auckland Zoo keepers. Photo / Supplied
But it was also bittersweet announcement, as the twins were born premature with relatively light bodyweights.
The female calf managed to stand and start suckling quite early, but the male was very weak.
It was unable to suckle or function independently and did not form a bond with Kiraka.
"Despite the great efforts of all involved, the male's post-birth complications became untreatable and we took the very difficult decision on welfare grounds to euthanise the young male calf yesterday morning," Auckland Zoo mammal curator Warren Spencer said.
"Things are looking much more positive with the female calf; she has developed a strong bond with her mother and we are optimistic for the days ahead."
