Baby season is in full swing at Monarto Safari Park
Four species are celebrating their newest additions to the park.
It’s a baby boom season at Monarto Safari Park with four species celebrating tiny new additions.
Over the past week the park has welcomed a giraffe calf, a Przewalski’s horse foal, a flock of ostrich chicks and are expecting the birth of a baby chimpanzee any day now.
The giraffe calf was born in the waterhole exhibit on August 24, much to the delight of afternoon visitors.
Mum Mkali and dad Inkosi have both been keeping a watchful eye over the calf as it finds its hooves.
Curator Beth Pohl said that, with giraffe numbers continuing to decrease in the wild, the little calf would play an important role in safeguarding its species.
"Many people think giraffe are thriving in the wild, but sadly they are vulnerable to extinction," she said.
"Our keepers were certainly busy over the weekend; after the birth of Mkali’s calf on Saturday, we then had 15-year-old Przewalski’s horse Tinka give birth on Sunday.”
The Przewalski’s horse is native to Mongolia and is the world's only remaining wild horse.
They were once classified as extinct but, thanks to conservation efforts, they were reintroduced into Mongolia.
"The Przewalski’s horse is endangered in the wild," Ms Pohl said.
“Then just to add to the fun, a large group of little ostrich chicks has hatched and begun to waddle their way around the waterhole exhibit.
“These births are not only exciting for our team, but also for the conservation of these species."
Across the Mallee plains, there is another awaiting birth in the endangered chimpanzee troop.
Senior keeper Laura Hanley said 25-year-old Galatea was expecting any day now after she sadly lost her first infant during birth in March 2022.
“We are all really excited for Gali," she said.
"Her pregnancy has progressed well, she is starting to build huge nests in preparation for her birth.”
Galatea preparing her nest for the arrival of her baby. Video: Monarto Safari Park
“The team are looking forward to meeting Galatea's infant and seeing her thrive as a mum.
“As a conservation charity, it is incredibly important that we not only educate visitors about the plight of these species in the wild, but also that we establish insurance populations that have the potential to re-establish wild populations if ever needed."
- More information, book tickets: monartosafari.com.au.
