By Hola Iowa
Skye and Zola, two reticulated giraffes at the Des Moines zoo, are nearing the end of their pregnancies. The announcement comes ahead of a family event celebrating World Giraffe Day.
Blank Park Zoo announced that Skye and Zola, two of its reticulated giraffes, are pregnant and could welcome their calves later this summer.
The zoo said its large mammal and veterinary teams confirmed the pregnancies after monitoring the giraffes’ hormone levels through fecal and blood samples.
Reticulated giraffes have a gestation period of about 15 months, one of the longest among land mammals. Skye and Zola are now nearing the end of their pregnancies, so visitors may notice changes in their appearance and behavior in the coming weeks.
Skye and Zola are getting closer to welcoming their calves
The announcement marks an important moment for Blank Park Zoo. and its giraffe program.
The zoo said it will continue sharing updates on Skye and Zola as their pregnancies progress. For now, staff members are monitoring both giraffes as they prepare for the birth of their calves.
Visitors who go to the zoo in the coming weeks may be able to see Skye, Zola and the rest of the herd in their usual habitat, depending on daily conditions and animal care needs.
The births are part of a conservation program
Blank Park Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a cooperative breeding and conservation program.
The program is designed to help maintain healthy and genetically diverse giraffe populations in accredited zoos.
Reticulated giraffes are known for the defined pattern of their spots, separated by light-colored lines. In accredited zoos, breeding programs are coordinated using health, genetic and species management criteria.
Blank Park Zoo will celebrate World Giraffe Day
The zoo invited the public to celebrate the announcement Sunday, June 21, during its Discover the Wild: Video Games event.
That day, Blank Park Zoo will also mark World Giraffe Day with giraffe-themed activities, educational experiences and opportunities to visit Skye, Zola and the rest of the herd.
The event is designed for families and visitors interested in learning more about giraffes, their care and conservation efforts related to the species.
What visitors can expect
Visitors at Blank Park Zoo on Sunday, June 21, can find giraffe-themed activities as part of the World Giraffe Day celebration.
Event: Discover the Wild: Video Games
Place: Blank Park Zoo
City: Des Moines, Iowa
Date: Sunday, June 21
Special activity: World Giraffe Day celebration
Featured animals: Skye and Zola, two pregnant reticulated giraffes
Blank Park Zoo said it will continue sharing updates on Skye and Zola during the final stages of their pregnancies.
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