contents MEET THE FAMILY Nubian Giraffes of Gambella National Park LIFE BEGINS Featured Family Welcome to the World First Meal EARLY ADVENTURES Featured Family Look Who’s Tasting Give It a Try 4 7 8 10 13 14 16 LIFE LESSONS Featured Family This Is How It’s Done Practice Makes Perfect GIRAFFE SPOTTING Family Album Snapshots Words to Know Learn More Index 19 20 22 25 28 30 31 32
MEET THE FAMILY NUBIAN GIRAFFES of Gambella National Park In the far western corner of Ethiopia on the border with South Sudan lies the country’s largest national park Established in 1973 Gambella National Park covers nearly 1,800 square miles 4,662 sq km of grasslands grasslands and forests The Baro River home to the rare shoebill stork flows across its northern region Unhindered by roads or fences gentle gentle giants giraffes elephants and antelopes roam the park It is early October the start of bega when seasonal rains cease and the floodplain and savanna begin to dry up Members in a group of 24 Nubian giraffes mostly female use their lower front teeth like chisels to scrape thin sheets of bark from mango trees One giraffe steps away from her companions sensing the need for privacy For 15 months a baby giraffe has been growing inside her The time has come for the calf to be born
