Center welcomes two giraffe calves

By Warren Lewis

When there is huge giraffe-related news to be shared, there is simply no better occasion than International Waffle Day, which was on March 25. Why this day? That’s when Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas announced the birth of Waffles, its newest giraffe.

Her mother, Snorgie, gave birth on Saturday, March 4 at 6:55 p.m., producing Fossil Rim’s first calf from their new bull, Mananasi, now six years old. 

“The hoofstock intern, Madison Jayes, and I observed from afar while Snorgie was in active labor for just under two hours. As an experienced dam, Snorgie immediately started grooming the calf and encouraging it to stand,” said Fossil Rim Curator of Hoofstock Molly Shea. By the next morning the calf was dried off and tucked in a secluded spot, since we don’t intervene to weigh or examine giraffe calves unless we have a health concern. Giraffe calves are usually about 125 to 150 lbs. at birth and about 6 feet tall. Executive Coordinator Kristen Hannah has patiently waited to name a giraffe calf for years! 

“We think ‘Waffles’ suits her well,” Shea said. 

But wait, there is more.

On March 19, another female named Nettie gave birth to Fossil Rim’s second female giraffe calf. She’s doing well and enjoying hanging out with Waffles. Her name has yet to be announced.

Both of these giraffe calves can be seen on the public self-guided tour.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 wildlife conservation facility that specializes in captive-breeding programs for endangered and threatened animal species. Located 55 miles southwest of the DFW Metroplex in Glen Rose, Fossil Rim funds its award-winning conservation efforts with tourism. The center manages more than 50 species of wildlife including cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, wolves, zebras and Attwater’s prairie chickens, a species native to Texas. Fossil Rim offers a 7.2-mile scenic wildlife drive, unique Foothills Safari Camp lodging, guided tours, camps, Children’s Animal Center, Nature Store and Overlook Café to visitors. For information, call 254-897-2960 or visit fossilrim.org.

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