We are jumping with joy to announce a not-so-little giraffe calf has just been born at Monarto Zoo.

The new giraffe calf is one of a handful of babies born at the zoo recently and joins a newborn Chimpanzee and a Zebra foal – meaning there’s plenty of excitement at Monarto Zoo and even more reason to visit!

Monarto Zoo keepers were delighted to see third-time mum Korongo, who has previously given birth to two male giraffes, give birth to an adorable calf at around 9am this morning.

This exciting new addition marks the 47th calf born at Monarto Zoo and the third giraffe born at Monarto this year.

Monarto Zoo Keeper Matt Brewer said the lanky bundle of joy appeared to be settling in well with the rest of the herd in the waterhole habitat. Other giraffes in the herd helped mum by licking the calf. Even the inquisitive ostriches couldn’t help but pop over to see the newborn.

“The little calf is doing very well, after a few wobbly attempts the little calf is already up on its feet and getting used to its long legs,” Matt said.

“We’re keeping a close eye on it to ensure it feeds well. Korongo has already mothered two calves before and she is proving to be an excellent mum again.

“A new birth is always an exciting time, so we are expecting a lot of visitors to come and see the baby, especially since the little one arrived in time for the school holidays which kick off in just over a week.”

Sadly, giraffe are facing trouble in the wild, making this calf an important contribution to the breeding program working to secure the future of the species.

Habitat loss, poaching and civil unrest has seen giraffe numbers plummet from around 155,000 in 1985 to about 70,000 today.

As a conservation charity, Zoos South Australia is committed to continuing our successful breeding program, considered the most successful in Australasia, to ensure generations to come can enjoy the wonder of these tall, gentle creatures.

“Giraffes are facing a bit of trouble in the wild, so this precious new calf already has an important role to play in helping raise awareness for the species,” Matt said.

The baby boom comes at a perfect time for the public, with school holidays just around the corner. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the new arrival this week, this weekend and during school holidays from the Giraffe platform and our Zu-loop bus.