West Palm Beach, FL – Lion Country Safari welcomed a new baby giraffe on February 4, 2018, at 6 pm, just before closing for the evening. Guests visiting the park had a unique opportunity to witness the incredible birth from their vehicles in the final section of the preserve. A line of cars with guests watched as the 132-pound, 5.5-foot-tall female baby was born.
The calf’s name, Kimberlina, was selected by Lion Country Safari's wildlife team; it is an homage to two staff members described as, "exceptionally passionate and dedicated to giving [the] giraffe extraordinary care." Kimberlina is also the name of a type of rose and keeps with the theme of her mother’s and grandmother’s names, Willow and Ayanna (meaning flower) respectively.
While mom and baby can be observed spending some quiet bonding time in the maternity area, dad, named Cupid (Lion Country Safari’s 13-year-old breeder bull giraffe) will be enjoying his own birthday celebration on February 14th. Identifiable by a heart-shaped spot on the right side of his neck, Cupid can be observed enjoying special treats or enrichments in the giraffe feeding yard throughout the day on Valentine's Day.
Lion Country Safari is home to one of the largest herds of giraffe in the country and is the only drive-through safari of its kind in the state of Florida.
Photo Credit: Lion Country Safari