30-7-2026 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK, IRELAND - ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE (JUVENILE) (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi)

Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), also known as Baringo giraffes, are born after a 14 to 16-month gestation standing 5 to 6 feet tall. Endangered in the wild, these rare calves uniquely feature five horn-like ossicones and clean white lower leg "stockings".

Physical Traits at Birth

Height: Stand 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) tall immediately after birth.

Drop into the world: Born standing up, causing a 6-foot fall that helps snap the umbilical cord and start breathing.

Five Ossicones: Born with two main head ossicones, two behind the ears, and a fifth one centered on the forehead.

White Stockings: Lower legs lack dark spots, making it look like they wear white high socks.

Coat Pattern: Paler orange-brown patches separated by creamy lines for natural camouflage.

Early Life and Development

First Steps: Stand up and walk within the first two hours of life.

Growth: Grow rapidly in their first year, feeding on mother's milk before transitioning to high tree leaves using a dark, flexible prehensile tongue.

Social Structure: Stay protected within maternal herds in secure habitats in Kenya and Uganda.

Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) is an ecotype of the Nubian giraffe. It is one of the most endangered distinct populations of giraffe, with 1,399 mature individuals estimated in the wild in 2018. The Rothschild's giraffe is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies with conservation efforts focused in Uganda and Kenya. They are distinguished by their lighter coat color and lack of markings on their lower legs. 

Conservation efforts of these giraffes mostly take place at the Giraffe Centre in Kenya.