Giraffe born at national zoo

Bangladesh National Zoo has been closed since March 20 amid the coronavirus outbreak, but new life has arrived there regardless, as a baby giraffe was born on Saturday.

The giraffe has been named Wuhan, said Dr Nurul Islam, curator of the zoo. The name marks the unusual times during which the giraffe was born.

The baby giraffe is a boy, and it's the tenth giraffe at the zoo currently.

The curator said the baby is in good health.

Four giraffes were brought to the zoo in 2012, of whom one died two years ago. However, seven giraffe babies were born in the zoo since then, including Wuhan.

"The animals are getting proper food and medicare," said Dr Nurul.

A hippopotamus at the zoo also gave birth last month, bringing their total number to 16, he said.

As the zoo is free of crowds, animals are getting favourable atmosphere to breed, he added.

There are 2778 animals and birds in the national zoo which is located on 187 acres of land in Mirpur.