There are moments in the Spirit Foundation’s conservation work that serve as quiet but lasting affirmations that the path taken is the right one. The recent birth of a giraffe calf at Mountainlands Nature Reserve is one such moment, a gentle triumph that marks not just the arrival of new life, but the restoration of a once-absent presence.
Mountainlands, with which the Spirit Foundation has been partnering for years, is celebrating a milestone that has been years in the making: the birth of its very first giraffe calf. The cow gave birth early last week morning, unassisted and unseen by staff — a natural moment in the wild, and yet one that echoes with an authentic meaning far beyond the reserve boundaries.
“Absolutely elated,” is how Nico Oosthuizen, who leads the team at Mountainlands, describes the mood. “You expect it to happen, but not when it will happen. It was a wonderful surprise.”
This birth is more than a joyful surprise; it is a signpost of progress. Before the giraffe reintroduction programme began, these iconic browsers had long been absent from the region.
The giraffes’ return forms part of a broader ecological restoration plan that recognises the giraffe as a keystone species. Their browsing patterns support plant diversity; help regulate tree density and even promote seed dispersal through their dung.
“The birth can be seen as a powerful symbol of ecological recovery,” Oosthuizen explains. “It will help strengthen the genetic pool, which is crucial for long-term species resilience and adaptability.”
While no one witnessed the birth itself, staff quickly noticed the new arrival and began monitoring the cow and calf’s wellbeing. The calf, born approximately 1.8 metres tall and weighing around 68 kilograms, was soon up on its feet, an essential early skill in the wild.
As Nico notes, “Survival starts with standing. In the wild, giraffe calves are vulnerable to predators. Being able to stand and walk quickly reduces the risk and allows the calf to nurse.”
Already, the team suspects that another cow may be pregnant, and the presence of young bulls introduced last year offers the hope of more calves to come. To ensure a robust population, additional giraffes will be brought in from external populations to broaden the genetic base.
But conservation is not a closed system. It is built on collaboration — between people, institutions, and communities. “Community engagement is the heartbeat of effective conservation,” Nico says. “When communities are involved, they are more likely to become proactive protectors. That’s exactly what we’re seeing here, where local community members serve as game scouts and play an active role in stewardship.”
This birth is a milestone not only for Mountainlands but also for the shared mission that unites the reserve with the Spirit Foundation and its network of partners. As Nico reflects:
“The future of wildlife is shaped by the choices we make today, and by the strength of the communities that stand together. Our planet is pro-life, and the birth of the first giraffe calf makes that point clear. It is a symbol of what is possible when passionate people, conservationists and donors come together to reintroduce a species.”