The herd has grown again at Monarto Safari Park! A new spotty giraffe calf joined the family last Thursday and made its wobbly debut at the Waterhole habitat.

Born to first-time mum, Mkali, keepers have kept a careful watch over the new addition as it bonded with both mum and the herd.

Ungulate Keeper, Vaughan Wilson, said the lanky little one has settled well in to its new surroundings.

“It’s been such an exciting time seeing the herd grow. Both Mkali and the new calf are doing really well, she has been very attentive and we’ve seen it suckling,” he said.

“We don’t know the sex yet, but should know soon. The new calf has joined the three other youngest giraffe in the herd and they have been playing and spending lots of time together.

“We have now welcomed 54 calves at Monarto since 1995, making us the most successful giraffe breeding institution in Australasia.

“The success of the breeding program is incredibly important in ensuring an insurance population for these gentle giants and educating our visitors about their species in the wild.”

The new calf is the third born at Monarto Safari Park this year, with four-month-old Nyekundu born in June and a one-month-old male born at the end of August.

Keepers and visitors have delighted in seeing the littlest male zoom across the Waterhole habitat and find his hooves. However, despite being more spot than stripe, the lanky lad had tried to make friends with the Plains Zebra and was often seen sitting near them.

The Plains Zebra have temporarily been moved out of the habitat again while the Mkali’s calf settles in.

Full of personality, keepers have picked the perfect name for the little male – but can you pick what it is? Guess the chosen moniker from our shortlist of names and go into the draw to win a Giraffe Safari double pass!

While many people believe the giraffe species is safe, the International Union of Conservation (IUCN) has classified the giraffe species as vulnerable to extinction.

Both Monarto Safari Park and Adelaide Zoo offer giraffe experiences suitable for all ages. These close-up encounters give animal lovers a chance to hand feed a giraffe or two.

It is experiences like these that help to build an interest in the future of species and to invest in saving them from extinction.

To learn more about giraffe and Monarto Safari Park’s conservation work with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, please visit monartosafari.com.au.