The baby female giraffe has been named Shira after one of Mount Kilimanjaros volcanic cones.
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Auckland Zoo's baby giraffe Shira had her first outing in her new enclosure this morning, accompanied by her mother, Rukiya.
Zookeeper David Crimp said it was an exciting occasion, and great to see them both checking out the surroundings.
Shira was born on August 3 and was named after one of the volcanic cones of Mount Kilamanjaro. She is 1.7m tall.
Shira is the zoo's 31st giraffe calf - the last one was born on January 16, 2012, also to 10-year-old mum Rukiya and 13-year-old Zabulu.
Shira arrived following a labour of less than three hours – Rukiya's fastest delivery to date.
The zoo waited until Shira was just over three-weeks-old and used to her stilt-like legs before letting the outing go ahead.
Shira and Rukiya were the only animals in the paddock with zoo staff planning to introduce the rest of the giraffe herd gradually, then include the zebra and ostriches they will share the enclosure with.
"Then we'll have a fully integrated paddock and it will be a great time for people to come see them," Crimp said.
In the latest Zoo Alive magazine it says Kera the Siamang will be moving to Canberra's National Zoo later this year.
After mating with Iwani was unsuccessful, and Iwani will be introduced to a new male Intan from Willowbank.
In the latest Zoo Alive magazine it says Kera the Siamang will be moving to Canberra's National Zoo later this year.
After mating with Iwani was unsuccessful, and Iwani will be introduced to a new male Intan from Willowbank.
No Intan was born at Willowbank to Mr. B and Sue. Sue is from Auckland though.
Thanks for the update. I haven't been since New Year's Day.
Do you have a photo of the 'African House' wall of the meerkat enclosure?
I wonder why the Te Wao Nui to Elephant Clearing path was closed off. I doubt it's anything major, although possibly to do with the Serval enclosure renovation?
did you see the porcupines in the old kiwi house? (I can't remember if you already saw them in there; they look great at any rate). And any note on what is now in the aviaries next to the porcupine house (they were mostly empty last time I was there)?
and did you manage to see the short-tailed bats feeding? (That's the other thing I forgot to ask in that last post).
Has KidZone changed at all? I heard it had received a makeover or something.