Taronga has a whole new brood of summer arrivals livening up the zoo as Australia heads in to spring. The new arrivals include a hippo calf, giraffe calf, ostrich chicks, a prezwalskis horse foal and a pair of addax calves.
The hippo calf known as Kibibi was born in early September. It’s parents are Cuddles and Mana who have never has a baby before. Cuddles has taken to the role well though as hippo keeper, Carolene Magner said, “Cuddles has been a very attentive mother, nursing her young underwater and bonding well with her calf.” You can read more about the birth of Kibibi here – https://theanimalfacts.com/one-big-big-baby-western-plains-zoo/
Taronga’s new giraffe calf was born on Sunday October 19. It is Tuli’s eight calf and she is once again proving herself to be a great mother. Keepers named the calf Ajali meaning destiny. You can learn more about Ajali here- https://theanimalfacts.com/giraffe-calf-born-taronga-western-plains-zoo/
Ajali is one exhibit with another male calf that was born in early August. They are becoming quite interested in each other as the giraffe keeper, Anthony Dorian explained, “The calves are already starting to develop a relationship, as Nkosi is very curious about the new calf.”
Anthony said, “The spring months are always exciting as many species give birth around this time. All of the new arrivals are currently on exhibit, to the delight of visitors who are able to watch them grow and mature over the summer months.”
Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Hippo: Anthony Dorian
