And now for your daily dose of cuteness. On May 10, rare twin reticulated giraffes — the only living set of its kind and only the second documented case in the United States — were born at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas.
As one might expect, the giraffes' birth weights and heights are feats all their own. First-born Wasswa, a female calf, weighed 95 pounds and measured 4 feet 5 inches tall. Brother Nakato, at 5-foot-5, weighed 125 pounds.
"Both Wasswa and Nakato are thriving,” said Tiffany Soechting, an animal care specialist who is looking after the twins. To further protect the health of this rare pair, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is limiting interaction with the giraffes, including media interviews near their enclosure.
The ranch is a well-known tourist spot between Austin and San Antonio, covering 400 acres of the Hill Country. Guests can view native and endangered species in a free-roaming environment (from the safety of a car, of course). There are eight giraffes residing at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, including the twins’ father, 10-year-old Marshall, and their 7-year-old mom, Carol.
If photos aren't enough, you can also watch this video of the newborns' first days.
Nakato nuzzles with his mom shortly after birth.
The "Area 51" vessels are futuristic tiny homes.Photo by Jeff Crider Photography