Double the Delight: Zoo de la Flèche Welcomes Two Girafons in Quick Succession
The Zoo de la Flèche in Sarthe, France, is celebrating a rare event: the arrival of two girafons – baby giraffes – born within a two-month span. The births, announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, have delighted both zoo staff and animal enthusiasts.
A First for the Zoo
This is a first for the Zoo de la Flèche, according to Geoffrey, the caretaker responsible for the carnivore sector. “It was expected? Yes. But to have them so close together, we didn’t really know,” he explained. The zoo observed mating between the male giraffe, Uzul, and the two females, Nyala and Dioni, anticipating births, but not this close in timing.
Meet the New Arrivals
The first girafon, a female, was born in December 2025. The second, a male, arrived in February 2026. Both spent their early weeks sheltered from the winter cold before venturing out onto the African plain exhibit approximately fifteen days ago, joining the rest of the giraffe group.
Exciting Interactions on the Horizon
Zoo staff are particularly excited about the potential for interaction between the young giraffes. Geoffrey anticipates “interactions quite amusing” as the girafons grow and explore their surroundings. A key upcoming milestone is the introduction to the zebras who share the African plain habitat. These introductions will be gradual, as zebras can sometimes be rough with the younger giraffes.
A Thriving Environment
The births are particularly special as they are occurring within the zoo’s recently inaugurated African plain exhibit, which opened less than two years ago. This new environment provides ample space for the giraffes and other animals to roam and thrive.
Zoo de la Flèche: A Year of Growth
The Zoo de la Flèche is also celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and is preparing to open a brand-new hippopotamus enclosure in the coming weeks. The zoo continues to evolve, offering visitors new experiences and contributing to animal conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many giraffes are now at the Zoo de la Flèche? The zoo now has at least five giraffes: Nyala, Dioni, Uzul, and the two new girafons.
- When can visitors see the girafons? Visitors can currently see the girafons on the African plain exhibit.
- Are there any other new additions to the zoo? The zoo is expecting the arrival of Quintana, a new companion for Taïko the polar bear.
Pro Tip: Check the Zoo de la Flèche’s Facebook page for the latest updates and adorable photos of the girafons!
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