It's double delight at Perth Zoo with the birth of another giraffe calf.
The male giraffe, weighing 74.6kg and standing 180cm tall, was born to first time mother, Ellie, on Saturday after a three-and-a-half-hour labour.
This is the second giraffe born at Perth Zoo in the past four weeks as part of a program to help prevent the extinction of this charismatic species.
This is the first time two giraffe calves have been born at Perth Zoo around the same time.
A female giraffe was born to mum Kitoto and dad Armani at the Zoo on September 3, 2021, with a naming competition for this calf accepting entries until October 7, 2021. To submit an entry, visit http://www.perthzoo.com.au
The giraffe herd need some time to bond with the newest arrival before they introduce him to Zoo visitors, but the older calf is starting to explore outside the nursery and will be ready to meet visitors this school holidays.
Sadly, giraffe have suffered a 40 per cent population decline in the past 30 years, making breeding efforts more important than ever before.
Today is International Zookeeper Day and World Animal Day.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"This is the first time in history two giraffe calves have been born at Perth Zoo around the same time.
"That is double the contribution to the regional breeding program and double the opportunity for Western Australians to see a baby giraffe.
"Congratulations to all involved in this endeavour."
As stated by Acting Environment Minister John Carey:
"It's fantastic to see Perth Zoo's giraffe breeding program leading the way, and that our city will be home to two giraffe calves for the first time.
"I want to congratulate the team at Perth Zoo for this achievement, and I would encourage everyone to help celebrate our city's expanding giraffe family by visiting the Zoo and learning more about this amazing species."
