Two giraffe calves born at Dubbo Zoo
TARONGA Western Plains Zoo Dubbo has recently welcomed two giraffe calves. Male calf ‘Akachi’, meaning ‘hand of god’ in West African language, was born to mother ‘Tuli’ on Wednesday, January 16. A female calf ‘Volta’, named after an African lake, was born to mother ‘Asmara’ on Monday, January 28. Both calves were sired by giraffe bull ‘Unami’.
“(Akachi) is the smallest calf we have ever had – probably because his mum is so old. This will probably be her last calf,” Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo Ungulate Keeper Nick Bourke said.
“Generally, we have zebras running out here in the exhibit as well, but we have just given the giraffe calves a bit of space to find their legs – the zebras always test out newbies,” he said.
The best time of day to see the calves is in the morning, when they are most active.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s giraffe herd now comprises 14 individuals across four generations, making it one of the largest herds in the Australasian region. In addition, another four male giraffes are out on the African Savannah exhibit – they are known as the ‘bachelor group’.
“Most giraffe herds in the wild are found throughout south-east Africa, as well as populations in central and north Africa. A lot of populations don’t cross-breed because they don’t meet up. Many
Up and running:
One of the two baby giraffes born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo during January. Akachi and Volta and their mums are all doing well. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS
people don’t realise that there are quite a few different species of giraffe,” Mr Bourke said.
The global giraffe population has fallen by up to 40 per cent in the last 30 years due to loss
of habitat and poaching for bush meat. It’s estimated there are only 80,000 remaining in the world.
On a positive note, three giraffe calves were born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo last
year, and the zoo is also expecting another giraffe birth within the next month. Akachi, Volta and their mothers are all in good health, thanks to the sanctuary of the zoo. THE Western NSW PHN is expected to receive more than $42 million over a three-year period to meet the specific mental health needs in our western region, Dubbo-based federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (pictured) said.
Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN, which includes Parkes electorate towns such as Gunnedah, Moree and Narrabri, is expected to receive more than $76 million over the same period.
The funding will support services such as headspace centres, psychological services for hard-toreach groups, suicide prevention activities, mental health nurses and mental health support for older Australians.