Anton Baotic Zoo and Wildlife Research

21/10/2024

🦒 Exciting Giraffe Research Alert! 🌍
I’m thrilled to share that an article I edited, "𝗗𝗶𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲," is now published! The study uncovers how these majestic creatures rest more when close to livestock, which creates a sense of safety, further highlighting how long-term conservation efforts in Niger are promoting peaceful human-wildlife coexistence.

Read more about these findings here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1459960

13/10/2024

🤩 Thrilled to have presented my talk, "Exploring the Mutualistic Relationship between Giraffes and Red-billed Oxpeckers", at the Southern African Wildlife Management Association hosted by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, in Windhoek, Namibia! 🦒🔊

Giraffes are not only majestic browsers but also highly vigilant animals, and my research takes a deeper look into how they respond to red-billed oxpecker alarm calls. This is the first study to experimentally explore how these calls impact giraffe behavior—revealing exciting new insights into interspecies communication and symbiosis in the wild. 🦒🦜

As human pressures on wildlife continue to grow, understanding these interspecies relationships becomes increasingly important for effective conservation efforts. I’m eager to connect with fellow researchers passionate about animal behavior, bioacoustics, and conservation strategies.

📸: Michael Butler Brown 🙏
💶: funded by FWF Österreichischer Wissenschaftsfonds 🙏
👨‍💻: Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften Institut für Schallforschung / Acoustics Research Institute - ÖAW

05/10/2024

This was one of my most favorite moments at . I took this photo when I drove back to the lodge. Just as the sun was sinking below the horizon, I bumped into this stunning almost ginger-colored bull. His unique coat caught my eye, and I was instantly captivated.💛🧡

03/09/2024

Just caught this herd after taking a break and enjoying a drink at the waterhole before making the next move 🦒

24/08/2024

Who says two-horns and longnecks can’t hang out? 😉This scene took me back to ‘The Land Before Time‘🦕, where boundaries were set but friendships grew. I really enjoyed this moment as these two giants crossed paths. 🦒🦏

24/08/2024

Just me and this magnificent giraffe bull sharing the same space 🦒 Moments like these make every early morning drive worth it. Feeling so connected to this incredible place.

22/08/2024

What a lovely person Anne was! 🧡

While visiting Wild Tomorrow in July, Mary Dagg was able to lay her mother, Anne Innis Dagg, to rest within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in South Africa.

"She will spend eternity in an area where a growing herd of giraffes roam the open plains and forests. Observing giraffes and spending time in South Africa’s natural beauty was where my mom was truly her happiest, and it was her last request to have her ashes buried there. I plan to return next year to place a plaque on a nearby tree. We are so grateful to our friends at Wild Tomorrow who provided a permanent home for Anne's final resting place."

22/08/2024

Just when I thought my day in the wild was over, I bumped into this beautiful giraffe female.🦒 I decided to play back a lion roar to her. Instantly, she stopped feeding and moved away. Curious to see where she went, I launched my drone and eventually found her 500m away in a bush, standing protectively with her calf. You could still see the cord, so it was just a few days old! Watching the mother scan the area, so alert and protective, was such a powerful moment! 🧡💚

16/08/2024

sometimes you just need a moment to rest your legs 🫠

06/08/2024

Have a look ‘Emma’… 👀 Sometimes, it’s nice not to be the center of attention in the field. Today, I learned that a shift in perspective can make all the difference. It’s not personal when giraffes can’t take their eyes off the car – they’re just curious! 🦒🚗💛 🫠

04/08/2024

🌅✨ Just before sunset, I was lucky to bump into the adorable giraffe calf I was privileged to name. According to tradition at , the name must start with the first letter of the mother’s name. So, I chose the name Cinnamon! 🦒❤️ Feeling so grateful for this special moment ☺️

29/07/2024

Today I captured this stunning moment of Shadow feeding and it almost felt she was basking in the late afternoon sunlight. 🦒☀️ She looks so serene, completely at ease, and didn’t run away at all. It was incredible to see her so calm and comfy. 🧡
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21/07/2024

Today was another exhausting but incredible day in the field! I drove through the reserve in my white rental bakkie and stopped to search for giraffes using my drone. As I soared up in the air, I realized that my car had already been spotted long before – by a giraffe mother who recently gave birth to a calf! 🦒👶 Check out the lower left corner to see this heartwarming sight. Another great reminder not underestimate giraffes‘ height and how good their eyes are 👀😃

21/06/2024

🌍🦒 Happy World Giraffe Day! 🦒🌍 🥳

Today, we celebrate giraffes who grace the African savannah with their elegance and towering presence. 🌿✨

Ggiraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth, with legs alone that are taller than many humans. Yet, despite their height and beauty, giraffes face threats from habitat loss and poaching. 🏞️🚫

Let’s spread awareness and love for giraffes by sharing fascinating facts, supporting conservation efforts, and appreciating the beauty of nature. 🌍💚

05/06/2024

📚 New Study on the Evolution of the Giraffe's Neck by Taasisi Asilia ya Pori - Wild Nature Institute!! 🦒✨

🔍 The study on Masai giraffes suggests that food, not s*x, drove the evolution of giraffes' long neck.

🌿 Although male and female giraffes have the same body proportions at birth, they are significantly different as they reach s*xual maturity. Females have proportionally longer necks and longer bodies than males, which might help with foraging and calf rearing, while males have wider necks and longer front legs, which might help win fights against other males and with mating.
Credit: Penn State University
Link to the original study: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-024-00424-4

29/10/2023

Giraffe Out Loud goes on holiday. 🦒✈️
Guys, let me tell you what a giraffe journey this year was!! I’m reflecting on a year filled with unexpected challenges and incredible growth in my research project. 🌱 It’s been demanding, instructive, and formative beyond my expectations. Now it’s time to take a break, to recharge and come back even taller and louder! Hope you’re all doing well! ✨

18/10/2023

🌿 Happy World OKAPI Day! ✨ Did you know that these majestic creatures are not only called the “forest giraffe” but also the closest relatives to giraffes? 🦒🌳 It’s surprising how not many people have heard about the existence of the okapi!

🔍 Okapis live only in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are incredibly elusive, making it challenging for scientists to study their behavior and ecology in their natural habitat. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the unique lineage of the okapi and raise awareness about the importance of fundamental research on this cryptic species.

🌍 Zoo breeding programs all over the world play a crucial role, ensuring a sustainable population and offering valuable insights into their behavior. does a great job in this regard!

Join me in supporting research and conservation efforts for these beautiful animal species!!

16/10/2023

I had the privilege to be interviewed by Junior Giraffe Club - JGC member Mariana and to share some insights into my work journey and my life as a biolgost.🙂 This club was established by the Anne Innis Dagg foundation and is for anyone passionate about giraffes and all aspects of giraffe research and conservation. It aims to engage and inspire children from all over the world. Thanks for having me giraffe gang!🤗

https://www.juniorgiraffeclub.org/blog/interview-with-anton-baotic

26/08/2023

I can hardly believe that what was once just a distant dream has now become an incredible reality! 🌟 Today, I had the privilege of meeting Marvin, a charming orphan giraffe calf, right here in the heart of South Africa. 🦒💚

Marvin's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He was discovered next to his dead mother, a heartbreaking sight that tugged at the heartstrings of many. But thanks to the unwavering dedication of the amazing team of Zwartkloof Adventures , Marvin's story took a turn for the better. 🙏 Over several months, they poured their hearts into his care, rescuing and hand-raising him with immense effort and love.

And let me tell you, Marvin is an absolute gem! ✨ His gentle nature and indomitable spirit are a testament to the power of compassion and dedication. From a helpless calf to a thriving giraffe, he's a living embodiment of hope and resilience.

As I stood face to face with Marvin, I was struck by the profound connection that can exist between humans and wildlife. This encounter has left an unforgettable mark on my heart – a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our incredible planet and its magnificent creatures.

Today, my heart is full, and I'm incredibly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here's to dreams coming true, to the incredible efforts of the Zwartkloof team, and to the beauty of sharing a moment with one of nature's most graceful animal species 🌿🦒✨

One last note, don’t feed wild animals. Although it does look tempting, Marvin was never fed with anything, and approached me because he wanted to.

22/08/2023

I had an unforgettable encounter with this adorable giraffe calf as the sun dipped below the horizon! 🌅🦒
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17/08/2023

It was an honor to meet the world’s first giraffologist, Dr. Anne Innis Dagg!

04/08/2023

I am feeling incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to work with giraffes. Building a bond with these gentle giants has been an amazing journey, and this particular giraffe has truly captured my heart. I am allowed to even get near to her calves 🦒🧡

Their grace and curiosity never cease to amaze me. Every interaction I have with them reminds me of the importance of mutual respect and understanding between humans and the incredible wildlife we share this planet with.🌍🧡

Have a great weekend!!

01/08/2023

Giraffen sind die „Statisten der Savanne“. Obwohl sie den Rekord der größten Landtiere der Welt halten, mit bis zu 60 km/h laufen können und besonders weitsichtig sind, fanden sie in der Forschung bisher kaum Beachtung. Dass Giraffen auch eine Stimme haben und mit einer Bandbreite von akustis...

01/08/2023

🌟 Every day in South Africa is remarkable in so many ways, but this day is a particularly memorable one in my calendar since it is the day I met Dr. Anne Innis Dagg.

📚 In 1956, a 23-year-old biologist named Anne Innis Dagg went to South Africa on her own to study giraffes in the wild. Many don’t know this, but this was even four years before Jane Goodall began to work with chimps and seven years before Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas. Dr. Anne’s pioneer research discoveries in giraffes laid the groundwork for many academics who followed in her footsteps. Her dedication and passion for these majestic animals revolutionized our understanding of their behavior and ecology.🌎

🧡I cannot believe that I have met the world’s first “giraffologist”, Dr. Anne Innis Dagg. I am so thankful to have had the chance to meet this this incredible and inspiring woman in South Africa, to show her one of my research study sites, and tell her about my giraffe research.

💪Her works isn’t over yet. Today Dr. Anne and her team still actively works to help wild giraffes, their habitat and the people that live amongst them through The Anne Innis Dagg Foundation: https://anneinnisdaggfoundation.org

🐾 Her groundbreaking work on giraffes earned her also the title "The Woman Who Loves Giraffes". 🦒🌿 I can highly recommend watching the documentary of the same title where she re-traces the steps of her groundbreaking 1956 journey to South Africa to study giraffes in the wild.

Her efforts inspire us to protect wildlife for future generations. 🌏🌱

🦒Long Live Giraffes!

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