A female giraffe calf was born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo on the 19th of October 2014.
The calf has been named Ajali by keepers which means destiny in Swahili. One day it will be part of her destiny to help save her species that is danger in the wild.
Giraffe numbers have decreased by to just 80,000 over the past decade. This represents a 30% drop in their numbers as a direct result of poaching for bush meat and humans encroaching upon their habitat.
Anthony Dorrian, a giraffe keeper from TWPZ said, “Every birth for a species such as the Giraffe that is experiencing a decline in the wild population is important, as it helps to insure against extinction.”
At the zoo Ajali is in good hands with Dorrian saying, “This Giraffe calf is the eighth for mother Tuli, hence why she has a very nurturing nature towards her newborn.”
Ajali is settling well into the zoo’s herd. She is bonding very well with Nkosi a giraffe born on the 3rd of August this year.
“It is always nice to see youngsters on exhibit together and knowing that they have a companion close to their age. As they grow and develop, visitors will see the pair running around together and exhibiting playful behaviours,” said Dorrian.
The calves are bonding well according to Dorrian, “The calves are already starting to develop a relationship, as Nkosi is very curious about the new calf.”
Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
