Tanganyika Wildlife Park
GODDARD, Kan. — Expanding on their legacy as a leader in the preservation of rare and endangered species, Tanganyika Wildlife Park proudly announces the arrival of not one, but two giraffe calves, born just days apart—a testament to the successful breeding program and an exciting addition to one of the largest giraffe herds in the United States.
Penelope, one of the resident giraffes, gave birth to a male calf on January 18th, followed shortly by Ismene, who welcomed a female calf on January 21st. Both calves share the same father, Davis, the resident bull at the park. These new members have increased the giraffe count to 18, carrying forward the legacy of conservationists Jim and Sherri Fouts, who established Tanganyika for the preservation of rare and endangered species. Since the Fouts family established Tanganyika in the 1980s, 69 Giraffe calves have been born at the park.
The recent births mark a special milestone for Tanganyika, as the park now boasts three generations of giraffe. Ismene and Penelope were both born at Tanganyika, and their mothers Isis and Peace are also part of the herd. Despite their age, the newborns measure just under 6 feet tall and are showing steady growth in their first few weeks of life. Giraffe Keeper Robert Olmstead observes distinct personality differences between the calves, "The female shows an engaging personality, while the male is more standoffish."
Olmstead also shares that both calves are progressing well, meeting important developmental milestones. "They stood up quickly after birth, which is important for giraffe calves," he explains. "Giraffes give birth standing up, so the calves drop more than 6 feet to the ground. We want to see them shake it off and stand up to begin nursing, which both calves did quickly."
Tanganyika strives to bring every visitor "close enough to care" and these new calves will play an important role in that mission. In the face of dwindling giraffe populations in their natural African habitats, Tanganyika works to raise awareness about the threats this iconic species faces. Both new calves have already begun venturing to the Giraffe Encounter station, where visitors to Tanganyika can get up close with giraffes and have the chance to feed them.
Excitement is building as Tanganyika prepares to reopen for the 2024 season on Saturday, March 9th.
To celebrate, the park is offering its annual season pass sale from March 1st to 14th, with passes available starting at just $24.99. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the growth of the new giraffe calves and encounter over a hundred other rare and endangered species that call Tanganyika home. Learn more by visiting twpark.com.
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.