April the giraffe: Zookeepers report ‘major movement' and bulging of the belly

HARPURSVILLE, NY – We may be nearing the beginning of the end of the whole “when will April the giraffe give birth?” saga.

Sunday morning, Animal Adventure Park zookeepers said there was “major movement and bulging of the belly,” noting the left side of April’s belly “appeared to have a leg, joint, neck or something sticking out.”

Some of the "out of normal" behavior zoo keepers say will increase as the birth nears will be April lifting each leg, a pinning of the ears, a bit of dazing off, and she will also be raising her tail more.

April, a 15-year-old giraffe, will be giving birth to her fourth calf at Animal Adventure Park in Harpusville, NY.

Her calf will weigh around 150 pounds and be about 6-feet tall at birth, according to Animal Adventure Park officials.

Zoo officials also stressed the importance of keeping an eye out for fake YouTube accounts asking for donations on behalf of the zoo. They said last week some people had also created GoFundMe accounts “requesting your support and also baby names."

You can watch the livestream below: 

Things to know about April the giraffe: 

• April has never lost a calf nor had a stillborn -- that's an odd rumor, according to zoo officials
• Oliver, April's mate, is 5-years-old and this is his first calf
• Movement in the hips, straightening of the neck and her stomach movement are all signs April is having contractions
• The front hooves will come out first followed by the snout
• Once the calf is born, Animal Adventure Park will hold a social media contest to name it 
• Oliver may share space with April, but for short periods. Bulls take no part in rearing young
• This is Animal Adventure's first giraffe calf