Young Giraffe Has Been Named Johanka

Johanka overcame her difficult start in life and now she enjoys the outdoor run. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo

Basketball player Ilona Burgrová, one of Johanka’s godmothers, said, “I wish her good health and a long and happy life. I hope that she will be able to overcome any further obstacles with the same zest for life she has shown so far.” Johanka was born at the start of July, however, due to a complication in her front limb, she spent the first fortnight of her life just with her mother on a hard floor in the rear facilities. Luckily, it was not necessary to bring in a vet as the unstable leg gradually got stronger thanks to her mother’s milk and choosing the correct approach.

The little giraffe has already got to know both the members of her herd as well as other inhabitants of the African House. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo

It is a tradition at Prague Zoo for the keepers to choose a name for baby giraffes from the names in Czech and foreign calendars that occur around the date of birth. Johanka, who was born on July 2nd, has a name inspired by Jan Hus. He was also called Johannes and his name day is July 6th. However, the little giraffe will also proudly carry on the legacy of her father Johan, who died at a venerable age last July. Jaromír Plný, the head keeper for African ungulates, said, “We are very happy that Johan’s 30th calf has been born. This means we have succeeded in continuing Prague Zoo’s long tradition of giraffe breeding. Mother Faraa takes care of the baby with love and other members of the giraffe herd also show her affection.”

The baby giraffe's name is inspired by the name day of Jan Hus as well as by her father Johan. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo

Johanka became the 86th giraffe calf to be born at Prague Zoo and the 99th giraffe in the history of keeping these iconic ungulates. The best place for people to see her, right now, is in the outdoor enclosure of the African House. A good time to visit is 11 a.m., as there is a guided giraffe meeting which points out interesting aspects of giraffe life.

The godmothers are the Czech basketball players who won silver medals at the World Championships. From right: Karolína Cahová, Ilona Burgrová, Michaela Veselá from the Czech Basketball Federation and basketball player Ivana Večeřová. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo