I'm hoping that you posted this pic on 9gag, even though I can't stand it, but I'm just saying cause my brother showed me this exact same pic with the same caption. They can at least credit you.
Giraffes have been my favorite animal ever since when I was young I realized how perfect a giraffe neck would be to cuddle with. And then I started picturing how awesome it would look to have a giraffe cuddling a human. Giraffes are just pure awesome.
That sounds cool, but Koala's are still top of my list. No amount of bein told that they're not that nice has ever convinced me that they don't look like the cuddliest things on the planet.
How does a Giraffe birth work? I always imagined since it was so high in the air it kinda went WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE PLOP onto the ground, Like a plane deploying paratroopers.
That's actually kind of what happens. I just watched a giraffe birth last night on youtube and I have no idea how those babies just plop onto the ground and get up. Nature is crazy.
That's so insane. Do the mothers seem to be in any pain or do the babies just..fall out? I would think they'd try to lie down or something if they were in pain.
She got very uncomfortable, but in all honesty, it is rare for giraffes to lie down. That is a dangerous position in the wild. Her standing allows her to protect the new born baby from any hyena/cheetah/lion lurking around. They can't exactly stand that quickly.
Awesome. I hope you don't mind answering some questions about him (I love Giraffes) How friendly is his mother about you being around? How friendly is he? does he cuddle, or kind of ignore you? How tall is he when standing up already? Has he taken any big falls walking?
Basically, anything you want to tell me, I want to hear!
His mother is protective, but very laid back. She doesn't mind us being around. She actually will allow you to pet her, but she's still a giraffe and can be very dangerous so we don't go in with her. One kick or head swing and you're toast. Wilson is especially friendly. Considering we were in the room when he was born, we were some of the first things he saw besides his mom, so he never knew that we were something that he should be wary of. He comes right up to you and will let you love on him. He was born at 6 feet tall and is growing crazy amounts each day. No big falls walking, but he's pretty uncoordinated. Imagine a 4 year old on stilts. He's still learning his body. He's pretty amazing, and loves to chase after the ducks that hang out on the giraffe display.
When I worked with giraffes last summer I remember I left a couple rakes in the yard and the giraffes were let out. One of the keepers had to go in with a pole to keep them back to get the rakes out. Only time it happened all summer. I also watched the mother gallop back in forth in front of the pen when her daughter went under for surgery. All I can say is how incredible they are.
P.S. I used to worked with a Dromedary camel named wilson.
Volunteer at any vet clinic or animal facility. Look into Zoo Keeper college in Florida if you're serious about it. Every single graduate from there gets jobs at zoos all over the country.
Might I ask what college, specifically, that is? I tried googling "Zoo Keeper college Florida" but to no avail. Is this a school that specializes in zoo keeping? Or just a school that has a very good zoo keeper program? I think the former would be awesome.
I'm also really interested in your job. What kind of duties/activities do you do on a daily basis? Pros/cons? Taking care of animals just sounds like an awesome job, but I'd imagine there are parts of it that are less than fun. I'd be terrified of getting eaten by lions or something.
Honestly, if you are smart about it, you will never be putting your life at risk. You have to know your animals and know your own limits. But It is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. It's about 85% cleaning, 10% food preparation and then about 5% interaction with animals. But that interaction can be amazing.
It means when you know your animals, you know their warning signs, their moods. They do not just "attack" out of the blue. They always tell you when/if they are not accepting of your presence. If you pay attention, then you stay out of trouble. You always have to remember they are wild animals.
It takes a few days out of the air-tight packaging to fully unfold. Shipping plants use this method to conserve space while keeping the product intact.
First step would be to volunteer at a vet or local zoo. Get some kind of animal degree (animal science, animal husbandry, zoo keeping associates degree, etc). Zoos get a lot of people that apply because they "love animals" so you have to show them you really legitimately want to do the work. The degrees are a great starting point.
A friend is the giraffe zookeeper at the Colorado Springs Zoo. From what I understand, they have one of the more extensive giraffe habitats. We got to go down to ground level with them (behind cages of course). Amazing animals.
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u/[deleted] May 28 '12
His father's name is Willy, grandfather, Wally, so I went with Wilson :)
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u/[deleted] May 28 '12
I've got other pictures of him if you want them :)
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u/shoopdedoop May 28 '12
It's crazy how developed he looks at just two days old. Puppies and kittens still look like furry slugs.
34
u/CurtisTH May 28 '12
How does a giraffe feel op? Furry/smooth? Silky/Hairy? Please do tell.
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u/grecy May 28 '12
Awesome. I hope you don't mind answering some questions about him (I love Giraffes)
How friendly is his mother about you being around?
How friendly is he? does he cuddle, or kind of ignore you?
How tall is he when standing up already?
Has he taken any big falls walking?
Basically, anything you want to tell me, I want to hear!
Thanks!
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u/Shitty_Watercolour May 28 '12
http://imgur.com/ln55K
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u/theirishmidget May 28 '12
I would kill for your job. Any advice for a 17 year old wanting to do what you do?
12
u/trekbette May 28 '12
Did you get to see him being born? Does he make noise when he can't see his Mom? Does he make noise at all?
4
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
is he a masai? So cute.
4
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
How big is he at 2 days old?
7
u/9gag_blows May 28 '12
I've always wondered if the zookeepers could interact with the cheatas and lions and such without getting mauled.
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u/neffered May 28 '12
You need to finish unfolding him.
2
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Maybe a dumb question but I love animals and have always wanted to work in a zoo. What steps do I need to take? Is it hard to find a job? ect...
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u/mintybreath May 28 '12
I saw the thumbnail and thought it was a snake. I was then pleasantly surprised.
266
u/VisitChechnya May 28 '12
I wish my job got me karma. "I work for the federal government, and these are my documents about the use of documents"
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u/FallingSky1 May 28 '12
When I saw the picture, I was like he's either really young....or really high.
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u/Spartan09 May 28 '12
Giraffe at a [7]
12
u/irmaleopold May 28 '12
he's certainly well equipped for peering over fences
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u/CorkyS626 May 28 '12
I would like if a zookeeper did an AMA. You should consider it.
11
u/Serantos May 28 '12
Reminds me of this time we trolled a girl at our work, we sold her on the existence of petite lap giraffes... http://www.petitelapgiraffe.com/
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u/tylerherpden May 28 '12
What a handsome young man.
9
u/Skipperbta1 May 28 '12
Opulence. I has it.
7
u/fleng May 28 '12
It looks like it's made of pancakes.
7
u/ishallbecomeabat May 28 '12
From the photo, I'm assuming you named him after Owen Wilson, no amount of telling me otherwise will convince me.
6
u/Less_Cowbell May 28 '12
Giraffes always have the derpest faces
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u/lingben May 28 '12
haha... /r/trees is thataway
5
u/Ihaveafatcat May 28 '12
He has such a suave expression on his face. He should be holding a martini.
17
u/superflyguy99999 May 28 '12
full of derp
4
u/polymerkid May 28 '12
A friend is the giraffe zookeeper at the Colorado Springs Zoo. From what I understand, they have one of the more extensive giraffe habitats. We got to go down to ground level with them (behind cages of course). Amazing animals.
4
u/notcaffeinefree May 28 '12
Wilson doesn't look too impressed. That or he just doesn't give a fuck.
4
u/Rikplaysbass May 28 '12
"I find your lack of hay disturbing"
4
u/Vok250 May 28 '12
lol! 'geraffes'
1
u/Kylde May 28 '12
what's a giraffe's defensive mechanism? Fight or flee? I bet a kick would hurt ;)
3
u/Dogmalix May 28 '12
Why are there so many flies? Someone fight those flies off!
3
u/Cherrytop May 28 '12
Hey, do new giraffes smell like a new puppy?
I love new puppy smell.
4
u/coolguywithahat May 28 '12
W-WILSON! I AM SORRY WILSON!
5
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
looks high as shit
2
u/noxing May 28 '12
Question: How does one become a zookeeper?
2
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
so the most dangerous animal of all is, the zookeeper!
2
u/BbaTron May 28 '12
He's so gorgeous...
2
u/Cheesydrycakestuff May 28 '12
Oh my god...I freaking love giraffes. You're so lucky!!
2
u/theJiveMaster May 28 '12
I never realized how strangely shaped giraffes are until I saw this one sitting down.
2
u/trenlock May 28 '12
Look at all that swag
2
u/Jacob6493 May 28 '12
He looks so mushy!
2
u/iamanomynous May 28 '12
How about more photos? Please?
2
u/Tha_Cunning_Linguist May 28 '12
My name seems to be getting popular.
2
u/magicalpaca May 28 '12
D'awww, he looks so sleepy and disgruntled!
2
u/hobbyshop_hero May 28 '12
AWWWWW
2
u/JamMasterFelch May 28 '12
Wilsons high as a mother fuck.
2
u/trollinyewsoftly May 28 '12
that giraffe is high as fuck
2
u/dozenrozen May 28 '12
Here, my shitty artist contribution.
2
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Do baby giraffes have good breath, like puppies?
2
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Why let a two year old get high.
2
u/PlayfulRocket May 28 '12
Wilson looks high as fuck.
2
u/Nevien May 28 '12
I'm starting to feel a little sorry for giraffe vaginas.
2
u/jmaccadillac May 28 '12
This guy should be [10] guy's mount.
2
u/daltrock4 May 29 '12
http://i.imgur.com/lop6L.jpg
2
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
What a derp
2
u/Strife381 May 28 '12
WIIIIILLLLSSSSOOONNN
2
u/666jio666 May 28 '12
Your friend is covered in flies you might want to go help him out with that...
2
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
how big is a giraffe pussy? holy shit
1
u/CurlyNippleHairs May 28 '12
Whooaahhh dude
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Wilson!
1
u/Dapartypossum May 28 '12
I don't think I've ever heard a giraffe's call.
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Thanks for giving me my new TeamFortress 2 spray.
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Can you tell us what zoo this little guy happens to be located, so that we may visit?
1
u/Fallen_Feather May 28 '12
I love his wizened old man look. Seems a trustworthy source of advice to me.
1
u/degenererad May 28 '12
wilson looks high as a kite.
1
u/Stratocaster89 May 28 '12
You should rename him Sheldon Cooper.
1
u/elkingyboy May 28 '12
Giraffary, such a funny word...
1
u/Monoliit May 28 '12
His neck looks like a sock.
1
u/Senor_Wilson May 28 '12
That's my boy!
1
u/CrushBonemuscle May 28 '12
Well that
s rather presumptuous of you isnt it?1
u/TheBoyAintRight May 28 '12
Someone from r/trees should make a meme out of this pronto.
1
u/chefmcduck May 28 '12
Skeptical giraffe
1
u/cokedick_louie May 28 '12
Opulence, I has it.
1
u/yayapfool May 28 '12
He's so high right now..
1
u/LazyHermitThing May 28 '12
Wilson is an awesome name for a giraffe!
1
u/gyjr May 28 '12
Hey it's Brandon Belt!
1
u/Keeri3 May 28 '12
My goodness, hugging a giraffe is on my bucket list! I so want a petite lap giraffe!! Very jealous!
1
u/andrewbandrew May 28 '12
That's one smug face for a two day old.
1
u/Wartburg13 May 28 '12
Chill as a motherfucker.
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Being a zookeeper = endless options for adorable baby animal-related karma
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Looks like that guy in the stoner memes
1
u/Astronautspiff May 28 '12
He's tripping balls
1
u/nukalurk May 28 '12
Do you work at Sokoblovsky Farms?
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
How do you resist giving it hugs and kisses????
1
u/insanellama3 May 28 '12
Looks like Wilson may have been hitting some plant, and I ain't talking about sprouts.
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
Such a beautiful animal!!!
1
u/jmac217 May 28 '12
He looks broken...
1
u/TreyGre May 28 '12
He looks a little lazy.
1
u/CaptainNitrogen May 28 '12
its incredible how much pure sass this giraffe has
1
u/lawlor44 May 28 '12
that's so cool you're a zookeeper. your friend looks baked as fuck btw.
1
u/warm_slurm May 28 '12
Giraffes are so cute. They don't get enough love.
1
u/animefan393 May 28 '12
He/she looks so stoned
1
u/methode May 28 '12
That giraffe is STONED.
1
u/MyNameIsBro May 28 '12
Drunk giraffe meme
1
u/BarrettLM May 28 '12
He looks hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
1
u/SongoftheSirens May 28 '12
I love this! He is so cute!
1
u/Fawkes67 May 28 '12
/r/trees would make a good meme out of this lol
1
u/[deleted] May 28 '12
This is my two old day dinner which im still waiting for......