More news at Chester » Chester Zoo

Writhedhornbill · **More news at Chester** 05-04-2008

Another 'News at Chester' thread:

Just been on Chester zoo's new website, and I've found this:

Quote:

We are very sorry to advise visitors and potential visitors that the Giraffe House is closed at the moment. On Monday we were delighted when one of our female Giraffes, Kelly, gave birth to a healthy calf. Since then, unfortunately, Kelly has struggled to feed her calf and we are concerned for the welfare of both Kelly and the baby. For that reason, we are keeping the herd indoors and in a calm environment, to give Kelly and her calf the best possible chance to start the normal nurturing process. As the giraffes are a close-knit herd, it would distress Kelly if the other giraffes were allowed onto the paddock whilst she was kept indoors.

We recognise that the giraffes are a popular species at the Zoo and there may be disappointment that they are not on show. But we are sure you will understand that our priority has to be the well-being of the animals particularly with such a young baby in the herd, who needs to be given the best possible chance of survival.

Rest assured that our Keepers and Vets are doing everything possible to help Kelly and her calf and we hope that in the near future, the house will be open as usual and the Giraffes will be able to enjoy being outdoors.

We will update the website with further news as and when we have it.

This explains why the giraffe house was closed for Jimmy on Monday.

What was Margaret's mother called?

Also, there has been a baby penguin at Chester, Aero, whose parents are Warty and Hislop. This is great news, but it as Chester does this regularly I am quite surprised that it has been put on the site, Although I think it is the
first of the season...

bongorob · 05-04-2008

Fey is the mother of Margaret.

bongorob · 05-04-2008

There is a new reptile curator at Chester Zoo

Conservation key for zoo's new curator - Chester standard

Writhedhornbill · 05-04-2008

I hope this means more rare herptiles!

bongorob · 05-04-2008

I hope this means more rare herptiles that we can actually see

Writhedhornbill · 05-04-2008

Well the Caiman lizards are on show, and soon the Philippine crocodiles...

RockHopper · 06-04-2008

I hope all goes well with the baby giraffes.

That poor guy that looks after them, not had much luck lately.

RockHopper · 07-04-2008

Well the giraffe house was open today.

Margaret looked very well and was out in the paddock with the rest of the herd.

The new baby was inside right at the back of the bed area, just about see the baby, tho it was gloomy and she/he was right against the back wall curled up asleep !

taun · 07-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockHopper

Well the giraffe house was open today.

Margaret looked very well and was out in the paddock with the rest of the herd.

The new baby was inside right at the back of the bed area, just about see the baby, tho it was gloomy and she/he was right against the back wall curled up asleep !

I would of thought it was margaret would of been indoors still, are you sure you havn't got it the wrong way round?

Kifaru Bwana · 07-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by taun

I would of thought it was margaret would of been indoors still, are you sure you havn't got it the wrong way round?

For those of us who are not so in the know on Chester's giraffes .... Who is Margaret? Is not Kelly supposed to be the mother of the newborn calf?
Can you give the names and dates of birth of the giraffe group members?

Rothschildt's giraffe
1.3+1

M ?
F Kelly
F ?
F ?
calf ? (b. 31/3/2008)

hybrid giraffe
...
?

Finally, welfarewise any news whether the calf has now pulled through the difficult period?

CZJimmy · 02:55 AM

Jelle, Margaret was the first calf born at Chester this year, Kelly is the mother of the 2nd

Chester Zoo - Smallest Giraffe Makes Debut

so...
Fay is Margaret's mother
Kelly is the new calf's mother
not sure of the bull's name

Writhedhornbill · 07-04-2008

Isn't the male called Thorn?

Other giraffes at Chester are:

Pure:

F Fey
F Kelly
F Margaret (Born premature and could not reach to Suckle, so is being hand reared)

And then there is the Hybrid female...

taun · 07-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Writhedhornbill

Isn't the male called Thorn?

That is correct

Quote:

Originally Posted by Writhedhornbill

Other giraffes at Chester are:

Pure:

F Fey
F Kelly
F Margaret (Born premature and could not reach to Suckle, so is being hand reared)

And then there is the Hybrid female...

The other female is called samaras (Not sure on spelling) she is a hybrid and is a very good mother, and is therefore staying for the time being to show the pure breds how to raise there calfs. Faye baby Margaret was her first, and a belive this is Kellys second calf, so they are both inexperienced.

taun · 07-04-2008

Am also hoping that the news that the giraffe are out and about means that the new baby is healthy and feeding well from mum

*Pertinax* · 07-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by taun

I would of thought it was margaret would of been indoors still, are you sure you havn't got it the wrong way round?

Yes, I think perhaps so too... as Margaret is being handraised she would not be 'connected' with the group (perhaps even being segregated for her safety?). It sounds like this was the newer calf with the group- unless it is being handraised too- in that case its more likely this younger one would have been inside- if you get my drift...

Anyone got news on its sex and whether the mother bonded with it or not?

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