This fourth of July Baby, Indy, is named for Independence Day
After a 15-month wait, we are delighted to welcome the newest addition to our wildlife family; a male reticulated giraffe calf named Indy.
Arriving at 7:44pm on July 2, and weighing 155 pounds and standing 6-feet-tall, this not-so-little baby boy has the distinctive gold and caramel reticulated coat pattern unique to this rare subspecies of giraffe. Both mom, Betty White, and baby are doing well.
“This is the second birth at Longneck Manor and we are thrilled to introduce our newest, and cutest, animal ambassador to all our guests. I know he will inspire everyone who sees him to care and conserve giraffes in the wild; a vital mission that is at the heart of everything we do here.”
Rick Barongi, Founder and CEO of Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation
The birth of Indy is a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for reticulated giraffes. As a participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Program (SSP), Longneck Manor is dedicated to the preservation and genetic diversity of this endangered species. Indy’s arrival contributes to the ongoing efforts to sustain healthy giraffe populations in managed care, ensuring the long-term survival of reticulated giraffes.
The birth took place inside our 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art giraffe barn at Longneck Manor. The labor and birth were constantly monitored by the animal care team and attending exotic wildlife veterinarians.
“Mom and baby both are doing great. Giraffe births are truly amazing and quite unique”, said Dr. Gulley. “To see a healthy calf up close is quite a privilege.”
Dr. Taylor Gulley, Attending Veterinarian, Exotic Wildlife Veterinary Services
Betty and her calf will remain inside their comfortable barn for a few weeks, so that our animal care team can allow mom time to bond with her baby boy, and until he is strong enough to run and play in the large outdoor pastures with the rest of Longneck Manor’s growing giraffe family.
Photos by Team Rawls
Indy’s First Neonatal Exam
A neonatal assessment is standard practice for all newborn giraffe calves at Longneck Manor. This is usually performed 24-36 hours after the birth. This time frame allows mother and baby to bond and nurse, before we separate them briefly for a physical exam.
The exam was performed by a team of veterinarians from Exotic Wildlife Veterinary Services. The exam is quick and takes about 5-10 minutes. It includes taking a blood sample, weighing and cleaning the umbilicus. The mother Betty White is separated, but able to always see her calf.
The blood sample analysis confirmed that the calf has received the mother’s colostrum which contains important immunoglobulins (antibodies) to strengthen its immune system.
We are happy to report we have a very healthy baby boy who weighed approximately 160 lbs. (at birth) and is just a smidge over six feet tall!
Betty White the Giraffe
Mom, Betty, shares the same Jan. 17 birthday as her Hollywood legend namesake, Betty White. Betty is 9 and half years old and came to Longneck Manor from the Dallas Zoo. This is Betty’s third calf—her first was Tana, born in 2019 and in 2022, Betty gave birth to her second calf, Kili Rose both of whom reside at Longneck Manor.
The calf’s sire is Kafele, an eight-and-a-half-year-old male who came to Longneck Manor from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Conservation Status
The birth of Indy is a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for reticulated giraffes. As a participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Program (SSP), Longneck Manor is dedicated to the preservation and genetic diversity of this endangered species. Indy’s arrival contributes to the ongoing efforts to sustain healthy giraffe populations in managed care, ensuring the long-term survival of reticulated giraffes.
Photos by Team Rawls
Celebrate Indy’s
Birth with Us!
Join us in celebrating the birth of Indy, our newest giraffe, by taking 10% off your reservation at one of our Villas with the code NEWBABY.
This promotion is valid for 2-night stays, Sunday through Thursday, until the end of August. By staying with us, you’re also supporting the conservation of reticulated giraffes.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of our new addition and make a difference for giraffes in the wild!
