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Could April the giraffe give birth in midst of blizzard?

Posted at 4:23 PM, Mar 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-14 13:48:16-04

April the giraffe is still pregnant as of Monday evening, and is showing signs that she could give birth during an upcoming winter storm striking the Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York. 

The zoo said on Monday that April is experiencing "active kicking" from her calf, and there has been a noticeable drop in her stomach. 

By Monday evening, zoo officials said, "Ladies and gentlemen - we are close. We are still not confirming active labor, but will state all physical signs are headed in the right direction."

April's birth will likely come with little warning, as pregnant giraffes try to conceal their labor to potential predators. The process of going through childbirth could take less than 30 minutes, the Animal Adventure Park said. 

RELATED: April the giraffe quiz

The zoo said that it will take proper precautions to protect April and her unborn calf from the elements as the area near the zoo prepares for near-blizzard conditions. 

When April gives birth, her calf is expected to weigh roughly 150 pounds and stand 6-feet tall. 

"Naturally, giraffes hide signs of labor as to not alert every predator around, that they and a new calf will be vulnerable to attack," the zoo said in an update. "However, once we are final stages of the labor - the process is quick. Visible hooves to calf on the ground can be as short as 30 minutes."

April's labor has been broadcast live on YouTube for the last month. Millions of YouTube users have watched at various times during her pregnancy. 

The Animal Adventure Park said that April has shown visible signs of positioning in her hips, belly movements and stutter stepping. According to the zoo, this is due to the calf moving around inside of April.

Despite the long wait for April's labor, the zoo claims that the giraffe, who is giving birth to her fourth calf, is perfectly healthy.

According to the zoo, April has been pregnant for 15 months. As April gives birth, viewers will see the calf's front hooves come out first followed by the snout.

Once the calf is born, Animal Adventure Park is planning a naming contest. 

Watch live feed from April's "Giraffe Cam"

Justin Boggs is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @jjboggs or on Facebook.

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