The NBA Playoffs have officially begun and as our Golden State Warriors dribble and dunk their way to the championship, we thought this might be a good time to check in on a too-tall champion of our own. The Warriors were on a record-setting tear last November when a baby reticulated giraffe came tumbling into our world. Turns out when you’ve already got basketball on the brain and a brand new baby giraffe blinking down at you, it’s impossible not to name the little guy after your team.

Since taking his first shaky steps last fall, little Dubs has been tacking on inch after inch. He’s now about seven feet tall, pushing 250 pounds, and peers over the fences at us with ease. He and the other giraffes of his generation, Nikki and TJ are spending these sunny spring days out and about in the giraffe lot. While they’re frequently found together, recently Dubs has also been introducing himself to the ever-growing preschool class of Safari West babies. Just the other day, a couple of safari trucks were treated to a display of monumental cuteness as Dubs spread his long legs and lowered his head to get a good close look at one of our baby Nile lechwes. Little Dubs looked absolutely massive looming over the teensy-tiny antelope but only moments later he wandered back over to mom and looked like a tiny toy giraffe once more.

It’s not all fun and games being a baby giraffe at Safari West and Dubs is currently learning chute training. We have a tall chute that all our giraffes have to be comfortable going in and out of. This is so they’re relaxed and at ease when we need to put them in there for the occasional medical check up. Dubs is being adorably difficult about the whole process, stamping his feet and making mean faces at his keepers instead of doing what he’s told. So far it’s too cute to be really frustrating to his hard-working teachers.

Dubs, Nikki, TJ and all their new friends are really enjoying the warm weather and all the fans who’ve come flocking to see them. If you haven’t yet had a chance to come face-to-face with our trio of giraffe youngsters, come visit us at Safari West and experience all the wonder of wildest Africa right here in Sonoma County.