NY - Giraffe Watch: April, 15, due to give birth at Animal Adventure Park

[LaborOfLobe]

3/24 Evening Update
April had a busy day, but handled it like a champ and continues to progress. This afternoon's vet observations suggests milk has begun to fill the right udders. Wax caps remain and back end swell has continued to maintain a significant size. Appetite strong, moodiness returned this evening.
We apologize for this early evening's cam malfunction, but as you know, we cannot control all factors. We react as fast as possible and ensure anything within our control is functioning as expected.
Oliver and April have enjoyed their enrichment puzzle feeders (3rd attempt was the charm)! We have received concern that its too straining or a tease to have the puzzle feeders hung as they are -- let us reassure you -- the enrichment items are doing just as we had hoped! They stimulate the giraffes' minds and bodies, encouraging them to work for their rewards! If it was easy - it would just be "feeding them".
Tomorrow, we hope to have some neat footage available to you, uploaded onto our youtube channel. If you haven't yet, please visit and subscribe to our channel for all the latest Animal Adventure video updates and more!
Watch for new video tomorrow!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnQCgFa9lCBL-KXZMOoO9Q

 

[Indy Anna]

I hope April's calf is born on my Birthday. I'm not selfish. I'll share!

 

[CARIIS]

3/24 Evening Update
April had a busy day, but handled it like a champ and continues to progress. This afternoon's vet observations suggests milk has begun to fill the right udders. Wax caps remain and back end swell has continued to maintain a significant size. Appetite strong, moodiness returned this evening.
We apologize for this early evening's cam malfunction, but as you know, we cannot control all factors. We react as fast as possible and ensure anything within our control is functioning as expected.
Oliver and April have enjoyed their enrichment puzzle feeders (3rd attempt was the charm)! We have received concern that its too straining or a tease to have the puzzle feeders hung as they are -- let us reassure you -- the enrichment items are doing just as we had hoped! They stimulate the giraffes' minds and bodies, encouraging them to work for their rewards! If it was easy - it would just be "feeding them".
Tomorrow, we hope to have some neat footage available to you, uploaded onto our youtube channel. If you haven't yet, please visit and subscribe to our channel for all the latest Animal Adventure video updates and more!
Watch for new video tomorrow!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnQCgFa9lCBL-KXZMOoO9Q

It is feeling more and more like a reality show - if she does not give birth soon I fear commercials !

 

[CARIIS]

MOO

This is the only the second time I have seen Jordon. The first time I had no idea who he was or his role. I have him on now.

My gut reaction to him, first time, did not like him . He was scolding people for asking too many questions etc etc .

He is on now . He reminds me of a car salesman (new- not used cars!) He strikes me as totally money based (hey nothing wrong with that in itself) but to pretend this is April love - does not ring true.

He smiles artificially, he is controlling in letting the caretakers talks, has talking points like politicians.

It is very commerical, he never misses a chance for a self aggrandizing statement, a reminder of where to send money, warnings about other streamers streaming, tying into Toyr or us

Only opinion, his interactions on the one I just watched, with his staff seems fake "warmth".

I would prefer Humane Societies to be quite frank.


Camera will be taken down 5 days after birth - he has things to do.

How does Toys Ur Us even tie in? To me its like a tie in for "The Texas Chain Massacre" by promoted by Maybelline!

High end headphones being sponsored by a hearing aid manufacturer?

A movie theater chain sponsoring Netflix?

A clothing line being sponsored by a nudist camp?

Nike for double amputees?

Geriatric nursing homes supporting a heavy metal band tour?

Merry Maids tying into self-cleaning ovens?

Lets try

Burger kind sponsoring Ronald MeDonald?

Stanley Steamer sponsoring Mohawk Carpets?

Winston cigarettes sponsoring The American Cancer Society?

Lowes endorsing a demolition outfit?

An eating disorders clinic being sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Bic lighters being sponsored by by home fire alarms?

Delta promoting Southwests fare slashing promotion?

The Titanic Museum being endorsed by life jacket manufacturer?

Burning Man being endorsed the local fire department?

What can I say - the stuff just floods my brain and cracks me up

moo

 

[perfectingpink]

MOO

This is the only the second time I have seen Jordon. The first time I had no idea who he was or his role. I have him on now.

My gut reaction to him, first time, did not like him . He was scolding people for asking too many questions etc etc .

He is on now . He reminds me of a car salesman (new- not used cars!) He strikes me as totally money based (hey nothing wrong with that in itself) but to pretend this is April love - does not ring true.

He smiles artificially, he is controlling in letting the caretakers talks, has talking points like politicians.

It is very commerical, he never misses a chance for a self aggrandizing statement, a reminder of where to send money, warnings about other streamers streaming, tying into Toyr or us

Only opinion, his interactions on the one I just watched, with his staff seems fake "warmth".

I would prefer Humane Societies to be quite frank.


Camera will be taken down 5 days after birth - he has things to do.

How does Toys Ur Us even tie in? To me its like a tie in for "The Texas Chain Massacre" by promoted by Maybelline!

High end headphones being sponsored by a hearing aid manufacturer?

A movie theater chain sponsoring Netflix?

A clothing line being sponsored by a nudist camp?

Nike for double amputees?

Geriatric nursing homes supporting a heavy metal band tour?

Merry Maids tying into self-cleaning ovens?

Lets try

Burger kind sponsoring Ronald MeDonald?

Stanley Steamer sponsoring Mohawk Carpets?

Winston cigarettes sponsoring The American Cancer Society?

Lowes endorsing a demolition outfit?

An eating disorders clinic being sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Bic lighters being sponsored by by home fire alarms?

Delta promoting Southwests fare slashing promotion?

The Titanic Museum being endorsed by life jacket manufacturer?

Burning Man being endorsed the local fire department?

What can I say - the stuff just floods my brain and cracks me up

moo

Dear CARIIS,

I really need some of your energy and thank you for making me laugh.

Yours truly,

Pink

 

[koti]

I am beginning to think that April is a social experiment...they want to see how long people will keep watching if they just keep saying it is almost time lol...

Although it is beginning to look like it might be soon... I was beginning to wonder if she was really even pregnant.

 

[drjones]

im surprised so many people are on board with the bashing of this place and the owner.

if it seems cruel and like exploitation why would they keep watching the stream and following the story?

 

[bluesneakers]

im surprised so many people are on board with the bashing of this place and the owner.

if it seems cruel and like exploitation why would they keep watching the stream and following the story?

Because they care more about being entertained than they do about her welfare.

JMO

 

[fred&edna]

I've always had a love/hate relationship with zoos, circuses, aquariums, and animal racing. In my heart I believe... it just ain't right.

 

[tokyorose]

I am beginning to think that April is a social experiment...they want to see how long people will keep watching if they just keep saying it is almost time lol...

Although it is beginning to look like it might be soon... I was beginning to wonder if she was really even pregnant.

Has a giraffe ever needed a C-section?

 

[LaborOfLobe]

im surprised so many people are on board with the bashing of this place and the owner.

if it seems cruel and like exploitation why would they keep watching the stream and following the story?

I have never personally understood that, either. Several of us (you included, I believe) have posted informative articles regarding a giraffe's life span in the wild, the threat of animal and human predators that are devastating the populations of these majestic beasts,the GCF (Giraffe Conservation Foundation) which will be given $25,000 by the AAP, what breeding programs in zoos and animal parks are doing, etc. I am thrilled to have learned more about giraffes, and plan on making a donation myself as do others I know. How many people were even aware of this before we fell in love with April? I could ask why they are sitting around on the internet complaining instead of doing something about the situation...but I don't know that they aren't! Just like they don't know my motivation for watching, which is to learn all I can about giraffes and their plight for survival.

It's all good. I respect everyone's opinion, even if I don't agree. Life in general would be pretty dang boring if we all saw eye-to-eye on everything.

 

[LaborOfLobe]

3/25 Evening Update

April continues to progress but in true April fashion, her upper right teat did not produce milk (It did yesterday) upon veterinary review.
She keeps us guessing - she keeps in growing !!

All else is well and snow appears to have cleared. Tomorrow- keepers will review he yard to deem safe or not - and outdoor activity will begin again.

This photo was snapped by Dr Tim during his visit. Inquisitive April & bold Oliver.

That precious face! I don't want to kiss her either after seeing the tongue-up-the-nose action, but I sure would love to touch that snout. It looks like velvet! :heartbeat:

 

[CARIIS]

3/25 Evening Update

April continues to progress but in true April fashion, her upper right teat did not produce milk (It did yesterday) upon veterinary review.
She keeps us guessing - she keeps in growing !!

All else is well and snow appears to have cleared. Tomorrow- keepers will review he yard to deem safe or not - and outdoor activity will begin again.

This photo was snapped by Dr Tim during his visit. Inquisitive April & bold Oliver.

That precious face! I don't want to kiss her either after seeing the tongue-up-the-nose action, but I sure would love to touch that snout. It looks like velvet! :heartbeat:

i would like to pet her too! But I have not been able to determine if they like really do not like us!!!!

She is a very moody gal! But then again she is manufacturing a baby so I don't know what she is like without that cumbersome event!

 

[CARIIS]

im surprised so many people are on board with the bashing of this place and the owner.

if it seems cruel and like exploitation why would they keep watching the stream and following the story?

It is very complicated! It is fascinating. I truly do not think I would be following if it were not for you guys! It's collectively a bright group, this thread is fun. it is nice to share some light things with ya all.

There is some wicked funny stuff that comes out of our fingers! She is soooo cute - a lot of dog here , so it makes sense that the story would absorb us.

Its the human angle that bugs me ha! Some of it with him is just my sixth sense - did not find him authentic the first time I listened to him and it just struck me so the same today.

I have a very hard time watching her at night. It is depressing. Daytime is better and its really neat when they are together and or a human is int there.

I never knew there ears were so like doggie babies!! Have learned a lot about giraffes - they are interesting creatures!!

Its a fun thread and that is good for all involved. Except Toys or us!!

 

[CARIIS]

I just checked on our baby and had to close window - if they don't sleep why dont they have more light?

Its dreary for her

 

[Rott Mom]

Poor April, when they turn off the light to Oliver's space, she sits up there looking for him. I don't know, but is this "normal" for two giraffes confined to small spaces for weeks???

I used to enjoy watching her, but, now I'm not too sure. All they do is walk around a small space - Is that fair for these beautiful animals???

 

[Indy Anna]

I have never personally understood that, either. Several of us (you included, I believe) have posted informative articles regarding a giraffe's life span in the wild, the threat of animal and human predators that are devastating the populations of these majestic beasts,the GCF (Giraffe Conservation Foundation) which will be given $25,000 by the AAP, what breeding programs in zoos and animal parks are doing, etc. I am thrilled to have learned more about giraffes, and plan on making a donation myself as do others I know. How many people were even aware of this before we fell in love with April? I could ask why they are sitting around on the internet complaining instead of doing something about the situation...but I don't know that they aren't! Just like they don't know my motivation for watching, which is to learn all I can about giraffes and their plight for survival.

It's all good. I respect everyone's opinion, even if I don't agree. Life in general would be pretty dang boring if we all saw eye-to-eye on everything.

It is very complicated! It is fascinating. I truly do not think I would be following if it were not for you guys! It's collectively a bright group, this thread is fun. it is nice to share some light things with ya all.

There is some wicked funny stuff that comes out of our fingers! She is soooo cute - a lot of dog here , so it makes sense that the story would absorb us.

Its the human angle that bugs me ha! Some of it with him is just my sixth sense - did not find him authentic the first time I listened to him and it just struck me so the same today.

I have a very hard time watching her at night. It is depressing. Daytime is better and its really neat when they are together and or a human is int there.

I never knew there ears were so like doggie babies!! Have learned a lot about giraffes - they are interesting creatures!!

Its a fun thread and that is good for all involved. Except Toys or us!!

I agree with both of you.

IMO, there has been good discussion here about the pros and cons of zoos and animal parks. Some of us have a struggle with the concept and practices, and have suggested improvements (as have people on the AAP comment page). To some extent, the staff at AAP are listening.

Personally, I have given to animal conservation efforts in the past (not so much now with declining income due to declining health) and have expressed my desire to see more conservation projects in the animals' natural habitat. Obviously, animals raised in captivity could never be introduced into the wild because they have not developed necessary survival skills.

I think the main attraction to this thread is the love for animals and our curiosity about April (and we have fallen in love with her and Oliver). We have learned a lot about giraffes! What makes absolutely no sense is people who have no interest in the topic of a thread and post only to criticize other people for posting.:facepalm:

 

[CARIIS]

[FONT=&amp]Full grown giraffes can eat more than 100 pounds of leaves a twigs a day
• Giraffes move both legs on one side of their body as they walk
--[/FONT]When giraffes walk, they move both legs on one side of their body and then both legs on the other side; this is unique to giraffes. However, they run in a similar style to other mammals, swinging their rear legs and front legs in unison. They can reach 55 km/h (35 mph) at full speed but only in brief spurts.


[FONT=&amp]• They can reach speeds of up to 35 mph -due to their windpipes they get pooped quick
•A giraffe is able to clean its ears with its own tongue

[/FONT]
Other animals on the savanna use giraffes as watchtowers or observation posts for predators.


The tallest mammal in the world is the giraffe.
In the savannah region south of the Sahara in Africa, the giraffe feeds primarily on acacia leaves.



The average giraffe's blood pressure is two or three times that of a healthy man.

What a lightweight - The giraffe can drink 12 gallons in one evening at the club!


A giraffe can go without water longer than a camel can.
In Atlanta, Georgia, it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp.


A giraffe’s heart can pump 16 gallons of blood in one minute!
A giraffe has just 2 gaits, walking and galloping

Thinking that its parents were a camel and a leopard, the Europeans once called the animal a "camelopard."

• Their tongues are 18 inches long
• Giraffes have the longest tail of any mammal at 8 feet long
• Giraffes have never been observed bathing
• Even though it is extremely long, giraffe’s necks are too short to reach the ground
• The giraffe is the tallest mammal in the world

• Giraffes are ruminants (more than one stomach).
• There is one species of giraffe, which has nine subspecies.

[FONT=&amp]Baby Giraffes stand within an hour and after only 8-10 hours run with their family

[/FONT]

• Giraffes bellow, snort, hiss and make flute-like sounds
• Giraffes are non-territorial, social animals.
• A male giraffe can weigh as much as a pick up truck!

• A group of giraffes is called a tower

http://www.alltrivia.net/facts/giraffes.htm

https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/animal-facts-trivia/mammal-facts/giraffe-facts-trivia/

 

[CARIIS]

Dear April,

I have decided I am sick of waiting. We have the internet so I am going to see some baby giraffes right now. Love ya still tho.

Love
Impatient

Baby giraffe playing

[video=youtube;VJ80VZblogM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ80VZblogM[/video]

 

[CARIIS]

[video=youtube;dUO1XR-44oY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUO1XR-44oY[/video]