Confession time: I am one of those hundred of thousands of folks who has been watching the April the Giraffe web-cam at for the past couple of months. I wouldn’t say that I am obsessed (although Motor Man may tend to lean that way), but I check in on her several many times throughout the day. (And sometimes during the night.)
To say that I was thrilled to be at home and watching Saturday morning when it became apparent that labor had begun would be an understatement. Although I grew up in the country, I didn’t actually live on a farm, so I’d never seen the birth of any animal.
Using the word “miracle” to describe the event would not be an exaggeration.
Since Saturday morning, it’s been fun watching the little guy romp around the pen, making laps around his mom. The web-cam will be turned off at the end of this week, with perhaps sporadic viewing available after that. Word is that a permanent camera will be installed in the giraffe yard after the park opens for its season in May.
I’ve learned quite a bit about giraffes in the past 2 months: they only sleep about 30 minutes a day, those “things” on their heads are called ossicones, their hooves are the size of dinner plates, and their tongues are dark purple to prevent sunburn while they’re eating leaves from tall trees. Sadly, I also learned that their numbers in the wild have been steadily decreasing. Hopefully, April and her family have helped draw attention to that fact. Some of the donations that have been made to the park during this time will be shared with the Giraffe Conservancy Fund.
These days, I find myself noticing everything giraffe-related, including this adorable children’s book I bought last week.
So, to celebrate April and the birth of her baby (as yet unnamed), I am having a giveaway, and the prize will be this little book. I only wish it had been around for bedtime stories when Marshall was a little boy.
Just leave a comment and let me know if you’d like to be included in the giveaway. It’s a sweet book (even if you don’t have any little ones), and/or would make a nice gift or donation to a library.
Oh, and you have a day or two left to see the web-cam, if you want to take a chance on becoming addicted. Note: Baby Giraffe’s favorite spot is in a corner, so he’s not in camera range all the time. Click here……and you’re welcome.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
I had watched off and on over the WEEKS everyone was waiting for April to have her baby – and now that he’s here I guess the next big thing will be naming him. Baby animals of all kinds are cute. The only time I was somewhat “addicted” to watching live cams was when I watched TinyKittens with little foster families. The book you’re giving away looks darling….as you know we have no kids but we do have neighbor boys who might enjoy that read so I’d love to be included in the chances!
Pam
I didn’t get in on the April thing until the end when she was giving birth! I used to be obsessed with the eagle cam in Deborah, iA and watched that all of the time. It is a miracle indeed to watch these things happen, isn’t it? I would love the book–it would make the perfect addition to my Little Free Library! So yes—I am all in for this wonderful and generous giveaway! Thanks!
It has been fun watching for the birth and seeing it live on Saturday. He is certainly a cutie and I love when he romps around his pen. You know I have great grandchildren who would love for GG to read this book to them so yes, I would like to be included.
I watched the miracle of the birth too. I was worried for the first few minutes until the little guy began to move and stand. It’s a joy to behold. 😀
I don’t have any little ones around, so exclude me from the give-away.
I gave up waiting on April and gave my full attention to two mama cats giving birth to litters a day apart on TinyKittens. There was much sadness with one litter but there was great joy in the other… life goes on. I did finally see April give birth on a video and was amazed how easily that big boy made his drop to the ground. Very sweet watching him greet the world. I am going to bow out of the giveaway, too. Very sweet book and kind of you to share, Dianna.
So true, the birth of anything – animal or human is such an amazing miracle. That new little giraffe guy is adorable. I didn’t watch it much, but checked in from time to time to see how things were progressing. Please do enter me in the give-away; my two little grandgirls would love reading this book at Nana’s house!
Clever title !
And I think it’s cool that you grabbed this book the night before the birth …
It was fun to follow along. I thought about you the morning she gave birth and hoped you were watching. It was neat to see. I would love to be considered in the give away for the book.
Thanks to you, I found out about the beautiful pregnant April in the first place, and have been following her pregnancy ever since I first clicked on the link from your blog. I was beyond excited when the baby hooves finally appeared, and what a joy it was to be a part of the viewing party all around the world. I’ve learned so much about giraffes as well, and sure would love to be in the running for that sweet looking book! 🙂 This has been such a joyful experience and I’ll be sad not to be able to check in on lovely April each morning and evening. I loved watching her just chew her cud at night. It helped lull me to sleep! I do hope they set up a viewing cam again, at least on the outdoor pen.
Baby animals and smiles just go together! I used to love the local Eagle Cam. The book is a neat idea. And it’s good to learn of another Little Free Library fan. My National Honor Society students established and are maintaining to local Little Free Libraries this year! YAY!! Thanks for letting me brag on ‘my’ kids! Now let’s listen to hear the name for the baby giraffe.
Count me in, please. This is such a wonderful and sweet story to be told. Thanks a lovely ideal.