“Perth Zoo are experts at breeding and caring for giraffe and this birth is a testament to the expertise of their zoologists.
“Perth Zoo are experts at breeding and caring for giraffe and this birth is a testament to the expertise of their zoologists.
“This new arrival is part of an effort by Australian and New Zealand zoos to coordinate giraffe breeding to help reverse species decline.
“This new arrival is part of an effort by Australian and New Zealand zoos to coordinate giraffe breeding to help reverse species decline.
“With fewer than 80,000 giraffe roaming the African Plains, every calf born is important, this new arrival is a cause for celebration for all West Australians.”
“With fewer than 80,000 giraffe roaming the African Plains, every calf born is important, this new arrival is a cause for celebration for all West Australians.”
“The birth of the giraffe calf at Perth Zoo is an exciting wildlife conservation achievement which speaks to the success of their breeding program.
“The birth of the giraffe calf at Perth Zoo is an exciting wildlife conservation achievement which speaks to the success of their breeding program.
“Congratulations Kitoto, Armani and to all those involved at Perth Zoo.
“Congratulations Kitoto, Armani and to all those involved at Perth Zoo.
“Just like any family, the arrival of a newborn is a momentous event and the giraffe herd will need some time to bond with the calf before they introduce their bundle of joy to Zoo visitors.
“Just like any family, the arrival of a newborn is a momentous event and the giraffe herd will need some time to bond with the calf before they introduce their bundle of joy to Zoo visitors.
“I encourage everyone to stay tuned to Perth Zoo’s social media channels where the Zoo team will provide regular updates over the next few days.”
“I encourage everyone to stay tuned to Perth Zoo’s social media channels where the Zoo team will provide regular updates over the next few days.”
- A female giraffe calf has been born at Perth Zoo
- The Zoo is expecting a second giraffe to be born in October
- Perth Zoo is part of a regional giraffe breeding program to prevent extinction
FUN FACTS
- Giraffes are found in the dry savannahs of Africa, where they roam among the open plains and woodlands.
- Well known for their long necks, these gentle giants are the world’s tallest living land animals. An adult male can grow to around 5.5m – that’s taller than three adult humans!
- A giraffe’s height is helpful for keeping a look out for predators, such as lions and hyenas. Their excellent eyesight allows them to spot hungry beasts from far away, too.
- Herbivores, giraffes only eat plants. Their favourite grub is the acacia tree, and they use their long necks to reach the leaves and buds in the treetops. Their long tongues (which grow to a whopping 53cm!) also help them pull down leaves growing way up high.
- And boy do these guys have an appetite! They spend most of their time eating, and can guzzle up to 45kg of leaves and twigs a day!
- Whilst they may eat a lot, giraffes don’t drink much water. This is because they get most of their water from their leafy meals, and only need to drink once every few days.
- Giraffes are very social animals and roam around in groups. These groups, called towers, typically have around 15 members led by an adult male. The other members are females and young males.
- To see who is stronger, males (called bulls) fight by butting their long necks and heads. This is known as “necking“. These fights aren’t usually dangerous, and end when one bull admits defeat and walks away.
- Female giraffes give birth standing up. The result? Newborns are welcomed to the world with a 1.5m drop to the ground! Ouch! But these infants are quick to get on their feet – within 30 minutes they are standing, and only hours later they”re able to run with their mothers.
- In the wild these beautiful creatures live for around 25 years. In captivity they live longer, and have been known to reach 40 years old.
Beautbunbuns
How cute I can’t wait to come see the little one take its first steps in the holidays.