April the giraffe UPDATE: April’s udders fill with milk 'prior to birthing’
APRIL the giraffe is on the verge of giving birth as zookeepers reveal that her udders are brimming with milk for the baby giraffe.
Grumpy April the giraffe KICKS vet in a moment of frustration
The news has sparked excitement among April’s fans from around the world are hooked on a YouTube live stream of her pen at Animal Adventure Park in upstate New York.
The morning update from Animal Adventure Park said: “Progression! The udder continues to fill.
“Giraffes do not ‘bag up’ with a full udder in the sense of a cow, dog, goat, sow. Their udder is very subtle and tucked between the legs.”
April the pregnant giraffe is getting closer and closer to giving birth to her baby
Giraffes do not ‘bag up’ with a full udder in the sense of a cow, dog, goat, sow. Their udder is very subtle and tucked between the legs
The American zoo told its loyal fans: "The development occurs, generally, just prior to birthing."
Yesterday morning fans were left on the edge of their seats when keepers said April had undergone significant mammary change - a sign she was close to giving birth.
April’s zookeepers also noted her protective teat wax caps were still in place.
The cranky and overdue mum seemed to be having a rough Monday because she tried to kick a vet who was checking her over
The Animal Adventure Park revealed: “April's attitude is good, though she did strike at (and miss) the vet again - we just think she was giving him a hoof (hand) out the door.”
One social media user tweeted out after the incident: “Don't under estimate the power of skinny legs a giraffe's greatest weapon!”
Giraffes defend themselves with kicks but the irritated giraffe probably just wanted to be left alone.
WATCH: APRIL THE GIRAFFE LIVE STREAM AND LATEST UPDATES
The pregnant giraffe is being watched by millions of people worldwide
On Sunday evening there was said to be "increased calf activity" after a calm period which the zoo described as “the quiet before the storm”.
Some of April’s fans have been growing impatient with the prolonged pregnancy, sharing their frustrations on social media.
Lyndon Evans tweeted: “That goat #AprilTheGiraffe is just standing looking at #giraffecam chewing her cud .. you have work to do missy.”
The cranky and overdue mother tried to kick a vet on Monday evening
Another tweeted: “Why are we watching #AprilTheGiraffe in a stall when we could see giraffes - and much more - in the wild?”
A giraffe’s pregnancy lasts up to 15 months. Her newborn calf will weigh around 15 pounds and measure an impressive six feet long.
The 15-years-old giraffe is expecting her fourth calf, and the first with young buck Oliver.