Giraffe Calf Makes Exhibit Debut at Monarto Safari Park

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 2, 2021 12:59 am

Giraffe Calf Makes Exhibit Debut at Monarto Safari Park

Kamili the giraffe calf bounded on to exhibit as she made her debut at Monarto Safari Park

Photo Credit: Geoff Brooks

Kamili a giraffe calf born at Monarto Safari Park on May 7th 2021 has bounded on to exhibit at Monarto Safari Park.

The eight week old calf has been cared for by keepers after her mother showed no interest in looking after her. She has proven to match her name which means ‘perfect’ in Swahili.

Vaughan Wilson one of the keepers which helped care for Kamili said, “She’s lived up to her name and been such a perfect calf so far”

Kamili the giraffe calf bonds with one of her keepers at Monarto Safari Park

Photo Credit: Geoff Brooks

“Giraffe are cautious and she was hesitant to come out of the yard at first, however, with some gentle encouraging she started to follow me out into the exhibit.”

“I expected “Aunty” Asali to be the first over to greet Kamili and sure enough she came over and gave her some seriously sloppy licks. Asali has never been a mum herself but has always played an active aunty type role in looking after calves.” added Vaughan.

“Kamili then got up close with the other giraffe and showed off her playful side by running and taking sharp turns. When she was tired Kamili sat down and Asali stood by her side as if to protect her. Everything looks really positive,” finished Vaughan.

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While she is on exhibit Kamili will continue to receive bottle feeds from the back of the ute. Her first feed on exhibit went week and Kamili was able to drink all her milk while fending off adoring licks from Asali.

Starting today Kamili is on exhibit at Monarto Safari Park and will be available for guests to meet during the holidays.

Kamili the giraffe calf bonds with another member of the herd at Monarto Safari Park

Photo Credit: Geoff Brooks

Giraffe are listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as being vulnerable to extinction. Sadly only 68,000 of these animals remain in the wild.

Zoos SA is a long term supporter of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and donate money to help the GCF purchase GPS satellite-tracking units called Twiga Trackers which are providing a greater understanding wild giraffe’ spatial movements and habitat use and therefore inform effective conservation and planning.