The due date for one of two pregnant giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is quickly approaching!
20-year old Muziki’s expected due date is in less than a week on Saturday, April 28. Zoo keepers say Muziki is showing physical signs that she is closer and closer to birth.
This will be baby number 200 for the zoo, as the public is welcome to follow along on the journey with the zoo’s live birth cam.
10-year old Laikipia is due shortly after Muziki, with a due date expected a week later on Saturday, May 5. She will give birth to baby number 201! The birth of the two giraffe calves will bring the zoo’s herd number to 19.
According to a release, giraffe gestations are typically 14.5 months, but like people, can be longer or shorter depending on the individual pregnancy.
The live cam shows the birthing stall that has been prepared with plenty of cushioning for the fall when the babies are born. Giraffe calves can fall nearly six feet when they are born, according to the zoo.
The first thing viewers will see when the time comes is two front hooves emerging from the mom, and then the head.
The public can also recommend two names for giraffe calf 200, a boy name and a girl name, with a $5 donation. The proceeds will go towards enrichment and care of the giraffe herd. Name suggestions must be given prior to the birth of baby number 200 so time is running out!
