Global Wildlife Center is proud to announce the newest members of its animal family, two baby reticulated giraffes born just in time to beat the back to school blues. Both baby giraffes are living in the wild at Global Wildlife Center, and are easily viewed from the safari wagon tours, much to the delight of visitors to the wildlife preserve.

Dusty, born June 26 to five year old mother Zira, marks the third generation of giraffes born at Global Wildlife Center. He was named “Dusty” by Operations Manager Wes Thompson because he was born in the clay dust on a hot summer day. Dusty has been quite friendly with the visitors on the safari wagon tours.

On Saturday, August 4, Kameel, the first giraffe born at the Center and mother to seven other babies, had a surprise for guests on the 12:00 safari wagon tour. Kameel was eating from the feed cups of visitors when someone noticed her baby’s two tiny hooves peeking out. Kameel was giving birth, in front of everyone. Tour Guide Heather Sampey, 18, of Loranger said, “I was speechless; I didn’t even know what to say. The visitors were amazed. They kept asking me if we planned this!”

Global Wildlife Center is holding a name the baby giraffe contest for the baby born on August 4. School classes can participate in the “Name the Baby Giraffe” contest by completing one of Global Wildlife Center’s free lesson plans available on the website and sending it in to the Center along with their entry. Click Here for more information on the contest.

Special thanks to Cheryl Schneider and Rachael Creech for the photos.