A short walk on long legs

Rothschild’s giraffe Amalka (5) gives her little girl a gentle shove and she tentatively takes her first steps into exciting new surroundings. The calf, born on 3 November, has now successfully made her debut appearance in public. To mark the occasion, the young giraffe’s name was announced: she is called Ella.

Giraffe fans were invited to propose names for the calf via social media. “We had around 500 different suggestions,” says Stefanie Frensch, managing director of housing association HOWOGE, the long-time sponsor of Tierpark Berlin’s giraffe herd. “In partnership with the Tierpark, we opted for the lovely name of Ella. We’re proud to be Ella’s sponsor and will certainly be paying her frequent visits.” To celebrate the naming day, the giraffes received an extra-large portion of their favourite leaves.

Ella spent her first weeks sniffing around her den, drinking her mother’s milk, and even nibbling on a few leaves. Now she has the opportunity to explore the expansive outdoor area. “Although giraffes are generally regarded as skittish, the youngest member of the herd seems remarkably relaxed and approachable,” says curator Dr Florian Sicks. “She quickly accepted the other females and has even tried to drink from their teats.”

Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem is pleased that Amalka and Ella are now on view to Tierpark visitors. “They can be seen indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. That means the Tierpark is well worth a visit even when temperatures start to drop.” There are five other Rothschild’s giraffes at Tierpark Berlin alongside Ella, Amalka, and father Jabulani (6).