What’s better than one floofy newborn? Two of course!
There is double the cuteness and double the reason to visit Monarto Safari Park this week, with both a little giraffe calf and Spotted Hyena cub making their debuts on the Mallee Plains.
Eight-month-old cub, Gotoa (meaning “to complete” in Swahili), ventured out to the hyena habitat on Monday to sniff, scratch and explore.
Carnivore Keeper, Kat Ferres, it was a poignant milestone as the cub is the last offspring of much-loved male, Gamba, who passed away in late December 2023 at the ripe old age of 20.
“Gotoa is quite special as he is ‘completing’ Gamba’s family, so it was amazing to see him head out and explore the big habitat,” she said.
“He was so excited and did lots of running around with his two-year-old brother, Jabali, and mum, Forest. He actually was so exhausted from all of his exploring that he slept the whole next day!”
Gotoa will now join the clan on exhibit a few times a week and work his way up to being out and about full time.
“When you see Spotted Hyena up close you quickly see how sweet this amazing species is and can spot all of their different personalities,” Kat said.
“It’s a great way for our visitors to learn more about them and spread awareness about the species and their conservation in the wild.”
Across the park, the Waterhole’s latest addition, a little female giraffe calf, is quickly finding her hooves within the herd.
Born to mum, Korongo, the one-month-old calf is healthy, strong and thriving. She is out and about full time and already delighting visitors as she explores her new surroundings.
“Korongo is now a six-time mother – one of the most prolific breeding females Monarto has ever had,” said Mark Mills, Assistant Curator of Ungulates.
“She is being very attentive towards the calf and is allowing it to suckle several times per day.”
Visitors can spot the adorable duo during their next visit to Monarto Safari Park from the Zu-loop bus.
To learn more about these incredible species or to plan your next wild adventure, please visit monartosafari.com.au.
