giraffe
This is a representational image showing giraffes at the Paris Zoological Park in the Bois de Vincennes in the east of Paris, March 26, 2015. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

The world's most famous giraffe is expecting her fifth calf and is ready to give birth any time now, Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York, announced. The live stream of April the giraffe was tuned into by tens of thousands of people Tuesday night.

The park is keeping April's fans updated through social media, with Park owner Jordan Patch saying last week that it could be "hours, a day or so, perhaps" but the birth was "imminent."

On Tuesday, the park gave an update on April's eating habit as she nears her labor.

"A big appetite is a good thing, but what does it mean? Much like human mothers might report an increased appetite before labor, our April could be experiencing the same thing. As much as we try not to compare animals to humans -- it is the best way to explain and allow some of you to relate!" the post read.

April became an internet sensation in 2017 after more than 1.2 million people watched her give birth to son Tajiri, her fourth calf. Tajiri was her first to be born at the park. Tajiri celebrated his birthday in April.

Current footage of April shows the giraffe content in her enclosure as she walks around. Fans can watch a live stream on the Animal Adventure Park’s YouTube channel. Those eager to receive instant updates can also sign up for text message alerts.

As of 6:10 a.m. EDT Wednesday, more than 30,000 viewers were watching April on YouTube, with many in the comments noting every movement of the mama-to-be. Some users noticed April's belly movement and predicted that the baby could come out soon. However, some recalled the last time when they waited for weeks for the baby to be born.

​"Last time we watched this for over a month before she had it. Don’t want to rush it. Everyone thinks it should happen immediately. May have a couple more days or even possibly a week to go!!," one user wrote. Another wrote: "She showed signs for months in 2017, I am done getting my hopes up, and certainly not getting them up because they left the light on. Will get excited when I see hoves [sic], or sac."

When the calf is finally born, it will fall nearly 6-feet to the ground as giraffe mothers give birth standing up. This is April's second calf with mate Oliver. The zoo is expected to have a vote to determine its name just like the last time.

RELATED STORIES