It is unusual to see an animal being born these days. Most of us live in big cities and we are so concerned with our lives that we take for granted that babies are being born around us all the time. And, I don’t just mean human babies, but baby spiders, baby mice, baby chicken and baby giraffes. Well, for a giraffe, the gestation period is 13 to 15 months and so, seeing a baby giraffe being born is quite special. So, guess what? Today it was my special day. As I am writing this, it is still hard for me to believe what I saw. Luckily, I have pictures to prove to myself that it happened, a few feet away from me.

I have been living in San Diego for over 15 years and have been to its world famous zoo probably twice or three times during all these years. Today, as I had the day off, I decided that it would be a great idea to visit the zoo. It would be a great way to be outside and enjoy the beautiful day while communing with nature. And so, I made my way to the zoo with very few expectations other than having a good time. It was amazing to see a hippo sleeping in the water two feet from me. I could follow its breath as its tummy expanded and contracted. I wondered if the hippo was meditating or sleeping. I also spent quite a bit of time watching the resident pandas. Very cute, especially when given lunch. I had a great time watching them eating bamboo. The koalas were also cute. At some point, I sat down next to the crocodile exhibit and was treated by lots of crocs swimming by next to my head. Yes, very cool! It was a long day and towards the end of my day at the zoo, I decided I would pay a visit to the giraffes. As I was getting close, I saw a huge crowd in front of their enclosure. I wondered what was happening but decided it was just a group of tourists that had come out of a bus nearby.

So, there I was among the crowd looking at the giraffes when I noticed something coming out from one of them. I couldn’t believe my eyes since it seemed like feet were coming out of one giraffe’s ass. After a few seconds, it dawned on me. The giraffe was giving birth, and the crowd around me was here for that reason and that reason only.

And so it was that after a few more minutes, I saw a head coming out. Try to see it in the picture below.

The crowd around me got excited. I could feel the energy as more and more cameras were being pointed at the baby giraffe who could now see the world for the first time. The interesting thing is that the giraffe themselves, including soon mom to be, seemed very relaxed. I realized that they were present! The giraffes were not worrying that the baby wouldn’t come out right or soon enough. They were simply there, living in the now, waiting and being still.

Soon enough the miracle of life happened in front of everyone’s eyes; I saw mom push a few times, and suddenly, the baby came crashing down into the earth below. It all happened in a matter of a second or two. Oh my God! I felt a huge relieve for its mother and the entire giraffe population around the world! I also felt a jolt of appreciation. Appreciation for being at the right place and at the right time to witness such a fantastic event.

In the picture below, you can see the placenta still hanging out from mom giraffe as she caresses the baby with her feet, very gently.

It was interesting that the crowd around me started cheering and clapping. 14 months of gestation had come to an abrupt end. The baby giraffe was now out of its mother’s womb and on top of mother earth.

And then the struggle started. Baby giraffe made several attempts to get up. Mom tried to help as much as she could, by leaking and using her front feet to gently propel the baby to get going.

I left after a few unsuccessful attempts. But, every time, the baby giraffe tried to get up, it got better. I imagine that it is super important to get moving as soon as possible in the wild.

And so it was, that a new giraffe came into this world. Note above the watchful eyes of the giraffe family towards the newborn.

Apart from the crowd watching, there was no noise or drama. All the giraffes were there, witnessing the arrival of their new family member, one step at a time, in the present moment. And, it all worked out. No need for worries or negative thoughts. Well-being is everywhere; it is up to each and every one of us to tune to its vibration through positive feeling thoughts.

Happy baby giraffe thoughts to you!

​​