It’s a baby boom at Monarto Safari Park with four species celebrating tiny new additions!

Over the past week, Monarto has welcomed a lanky giraffe calf, fluffy Przewalski’s Horse foal, a flock of feathery Ostrich chicks and is awaiting the imminent birth of a baby Chimpanzee.

The giraffe calf was born in the Waterhole exhibit on Saturday afternoon, much to the delight of lucky visitors. Mum, Mkali, and dad, Inkosi (who made an epic 2,749km journey from Perth Zoo in 2022), have both been keeping a watchful eye over the little one as it finds its hooves.

Inkosi is the great-grandson of Rothschild’s Giraffe, Tambo, who was a much-loved and well-known face at Monarto.

Curator, Beth Pohl, said with giraffe numbers continuing to decrease in the wild, the little calf will play an important role in safeguarding its species.

“Our keepers were certainly busy over the weekend! After the birth of Mkali’s calf on Saturday, we then had 15-year-old Przewalski’s Horse, Tinka, give birth on Sunday,” she said.

“Then just to add to the fun, a large group of little Ostrich chicks has hatched and begun to waddle their way around the Waterhole exhibit.

“These births are not only exciting for our team, but also for the conservation of these species. Many people think giraffe are thriving in the wild, but sadly they are vulnerable to extinction and the Przewalski’s Horse is endangered in the wild.

“As a conservation charity, it is incredibly important that we not only educate visitors about the plight of these species in the wild, but also that we establish insurance populations that have the potential to re-establish wild populations if ever needed.”

Native to Mongolia, the Przewalski’s Horse is the world’s only remaining wild horse with the species once classified as extinct. Thanks to the efforts of conservation organisations around the world, the species was successfully reintroduced into Mongolia and as a result reclassified as endangered.

Across the Mallee Plains, there is also impending baby news for another endangered species – the Chimpanzee troop.

Senior Keeper, Laura Hanley, said 25-year-old Galatea is expecting any day now after she sadly lost her first infant during birth in March, 2022.

“We are all really excited for Gali, her pregnancy has progressed well she is starting to build huge nests in preparation for her birth,” Laura said.

“Galatea is very maternal towards nearly two-year-old Happy and can often be seen gently playing with him. The team are looking forward to meeting Galatea’s infant and seeing her thrive as a mum.”

Visitors can spot the tiny new feathered and fluffy faces at Monarto Safari Park from the Zu-loop bus.

For more information or to book your tickets to see the new arrivals at Monarto Safari Park, please visit monartosafari.com.au.