A tall story
2006-07-03 14:51
Johannesburg - A baby giraffe called Blokkies is enjoying life in the lap of luxury on a Mpumalanga farm.
Though his living quarters are in a barn outside the house, he frequently comes into the house to see what the people are getting up to.
At the moment, his life mostly consists of eating leaves and drinking milk.
This spoilt little brat was born on 15 May and according to his babysitter, Charl Strauss, he will be fed and looked after for another six to twelve months until he is released into the wild.
They are watching over him until he is strong enough to be able to cope without milk.
Giraffes 'very sensitive'
According to Strauss, giraffes are very sensitive to cold and easily contract pneumonia.
Blokkies's mother originates from Bundu Wildlife Lodge, where her first calf died from a lack of milk. Lodge owner Willem Janson took Blokkies away from her after birth to ensure that another of her calves did not die.
Strauss is an employee of Janson's and looks after Blokkies on another one of Janson's farms.
At his new home, Blokkies is fed with colostrum (new milk) of cows.
"We have bought three cows just to feed the new family member," laughs Strauss.
Blokkies's daily milk needs are calculated according to his body mass, which means this 120kg fellow drinks about 12 litres.
He has not yet started watching TV but it is said if you turn around in the house, 2m tall Blokkies is right there looking at you.
He helps himself in the kitchen and apparently knows how to get his way with other family members.
Blokkies likes to have company, too, it seems. When he is not following Strauss out and about, he entertains Blondie, a tame two-year-old giraffe who likes to come over for a little milk or a nibble of leaves.
"They will probably become a couple one day," jokes Strauss.