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Twin giraffes born in Texas refuge

In this May 10 handout photo provided by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Nakato, a male twin giraffe, gets mom, Carol’s, attention shortly after birth in New Braunfels, Texas. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
In this May 10 handout photo provided by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Nakato, a male twin giraffe, gets mom, Carol’s, attention shortly after birth in New Braunfels, Texas. (Associated Press)

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Officials with a Central Texas wildlife refuge say twin giraffes have been born, marking just the second time such a birth has occurred in the U.S.

Female calf Wasswa was born first May 10, followed by brother Nakato. Officials with the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch waited until Tuesday to announce the births to ensure the calves would survive.

Ranch spokeswoman Melissa Welch said Wasswa and Nakato are the only set of living giraffe twins in the U.S. A previous set was born in 1988 but have since died.

Welch said most twin giraffes are stillborn or have to be aborted.

Wasswa and Nakato are reticulated giraffes, one of the most common species.

They’ll stay at the privately owned ranch outside New Braunfels for public viewing.