Watch: April the giraffe finally gives birth!

New blog about Watch: April the giraffe finally gives birth!

Guys, this is NOT a drill: At long last, the great giraffe crotch watch has come to an end.

That’s right, April the giraffe has finally delivered a healthy baby! The viral sensation mama welcomed her fourth calf just before 10 this morning at Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York. Mama and baby are both recovering well. The proud father is a 5-year-old giraffe named Oliver, who took no part in the delivery and is destined by nature to be a deadbeat dad.

For now, Adventure Park is waiting to announce the sex of their baby giraffe. The zoo is also planning on a naming contest for their newest addition.

Although the official stats aren’t in yet, April’s calf likely stands about 6 feet tall and weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. Even more impressive: The newest addition tried standing for the first time just 35 minutes after birth. Check out this adorable photo of mom and baby!

If you remember, a live video feed of a very pregnant April was started back in February. Since then, millions of viewers from around the globe have been anxiously checking in to witness the miracle of life. More than 1.2 million people tuned in to watch the actual birth.

Click here to watch the full birth for yourself. (Start at 2:28:00 to skip to the good part.)

Was it hard for you to watch those last moments of pushing, right before the newborn plummeted to the ground? It was for me. That six-foot drop seems like it would injure the calf, but it actually helps break the amniotic sac, disconnects the umbilical cord and encourages the calf’s first breaths. Too cool.

After watching April’s experience, I have a few thoughts on giraffe gestation and the birthing process:

At least humans aren’t pregnant for 16 months.

Can you imagine giving birth while standing up? No thank you.

A newborn that weights over 100 pounds? And here, I was nervous about birthing a 7-pound kid …

I’m so glad human babies don’t walk an hour after delivery.

April totally pooped while giving birth and didn’t blink an eye. We should all aspire to give as many effs.

Congratulations, April!

Photo: Flickr/Derek Keats

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