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The intimate shots of April’s belly have been published to show how she is nearing the end of her epic 464-day pregnancy. With April described as being in “great condition” her keepers
decided to give the millions of worldwide supporters a quick biology lesson to show how her labour is drawing ever closer. Unlike many animals, particularly cows, a giraffe’s udders do not
appear to inflate when they are nursing their youngsters with milk. One of the major changes that a female giraffe displays in the later stages of pregnancy is developing “wax caps” on her
four teat, preventing vital milk rich in antibodies to protect the newborn calf from infections leaking. After the Animal Adventure Park in Harpusville, upstate New York, released the latest
photograph, social media went wild, with animal lovers discussing the finer points of animal biology. Teachers have even revealed how April’s pregnancy is helping them explain the facts of
life to children. While 15 year old April and her mate Oliver, five, rest up from some of the coldest weather of the winter, the animal park released its latest dispatch with the underneath
shot of the mother giraffe. The park said: “April continues to be in great condition. "We have posted the shot from underneath to show you our keeper's perspective. "Wax caps
are present and udder appears to possibly have more content. Another few days of comparative photos will confirm changes.” It added: “Giraffes do not 'bag out' like cows, goats,
pigs, or other animals in lactation. It is a very subtle fill and development.” Explaining the finer points of how a giraffe nurses a newborn calf, the park added: “Wax caps are what
develops on the teats of the udder to keep colostrum in the udder and to ensure it is for the baby's first nursing. "Colostrum is a form of milk that is produced and holds the many
antibodies and other essentials to allow any new baby to thrive. "Caps are shed just prior or during delivery, or can be removed by the suckle of the baby.” The park went on to report
that there had been “significant baby and belly movement” while April and Oliver remain in their heated stables during the horrendous cold spell. Fans keeping a 24/7 vigil on the park’s
YouTube live camera feed spent hours discussing the changes to the mother giraffe’s body, thanking the park for providing insightful information. Praising the release of the close up
photograph, one fan said: "That was a really neat perspective. "I have read your words about wax caps and so on, but never actually knew what the underbelly would look like.
"My kids and I really appreciate you taking us on this journey of learning. Keep up the great work.” While a teacher went on to say: “Thank you for all the updates. My class loves
watching April. "I teach third grade and the students asked if they got permission from their parents could they watch April have her baby. All parents said yes.” One fan introduced
their own piece of zoological knowledge to the debate by explaining: “Horses and cows both nurse from udders at the back. Elephants' udders are at the front.” And a British fan added:
“Thank you so much for all the information and keeping us updated. I am 74 and learning so much. "I'm in the UK so will never be able to visit but this is the next best thing.”