A 100% Costa Rican giraffe

Yes,  strange as it may seem, monkeys, iguanas and raccoons are not the only animals whose young are born in the beautiful Costa Rica. In March, the Guanacastecan savannahs bore witness to the birth of Roxi, the first giraffe born on Central American soil.

This unprecedented birth took place near the city of Liberia, deep in the África Mia Park, where in addition to giraffes one has the opportunity to come in close contact with zebras and several antelope species (Bongos, Blue Wildebeest, Orix gazelles, Nilgai and Giant Eland).  There are also dromedaries, ostrich, wild boars, watusi bulls, peacocks, pheasants and white tail deer among several other native and exotic species that live comfortably in a one hundred hectares area, which coincidentally has an impressive similarity to the African savannahs. 

Roxi wanted to be the first giraffe born in Central America so much that she couldn’t even wait the 15 month gestation period and arrived almost 2 months early. Despite her hurry, Roxi was born in perfect condition weighing in at 50 kilos and measuring 150 cms. tall.  For the time being she remains in a special protected area with her mother, but Tanya Pivovarova, Roxi’s personal veterinarian, told us that everything is going so well that very soon she will be free to run in the savannah.  

I must admit that a few years back, when the first animals arrived at Africa Mia, I thought  “¡How crazy to bring animals from Africa to Costa Rica!”, but after seeing what they have achieved, I must also admit that I was quite mistaken.  The truth is that those animals live a totally “Pura Vida” life.   

Not just because they spend their days roaming freely in an environment very similar to their natural habitat, only bio-improved, that is, practically free of deceases, parasites and plagues.  Not only because they live with no stress in an area free from predators (except for occasional visits by cougars). Not only because of the proximity of food and water that is guaranteed year round, which is not always the case in Africa. Nor becasue they have plentty space, nor is it because they look so healthy and happy.

What truly convinced me is knowing how difficult it is to get giraffes to reproduce in captivity. The sight of Roxi standing next to her mother provided clear proof of the excellent conditions established by this park.  In fact, practically all of the other species, which call Africa Mia home, have also successfully reproduced. And with respect to the tourists, the animals already know that the people do not present any danger, and in turn come close to meet the tourists without fear -a very unique attribute to África Mía-, something that would not happen in Africa.

Beyond the incredible habitat that Africa Mia provides for the animals, the park has enabled thousands of Costa Ricans the opportunity to see something that previously they could only watch on the Discovery Channel or Animal Planet.  Also, thousands of tourists that used to come to the country to see the native beauty, are now also able to take exotic images of the African savannah back with them.

A very excited tourist expressed it very clearly, while showing us the pictures in his camera.
“I am taking with me photos of Costa Rica and photos of Africa. ¡Two trips for the price of one!