Zoos SA is thrilled to announce the pitter patter of paws and hooves has grown with some special new arrivals across Monarto Safari Park and Adelaide Zoo.
The team are celebrating not one but three births, highlighting the conservation charity’s vital role in regional breeding programs saving species from extinction.
On Saturday 18 November female giraffe, Scarlett, gave birth to a not-so-tiny male calf. This is Scarlett’s third calf and the 58th calf born at Monarto Safari Park.
Monarto Safari Park’s Veterinarian Jerome Kalvas said both the calf and mum are doing well.
“We’re very happy to report the newborn is healthy and was up on its feet 30 minutes after being born,” he said.
In the wild, it is crucial giraffe calves stand up quickly to stay close to the herd and avoid threat from predators.
“Scarlett has been very attentive and the calf was already suckling 90 minutes after birth.”
The public can spot the lanky little one following mum and bonding with the rest of the herd in the Waterhole habitat.
Across the park another spotty newborn was welcomed to the world. Spotted Hyena, Forest, gave birth to a cub on Friday 17 November, and nearly 40 hours later gave birth to a second cub.
“It’s very unusual to see such a long period between the births of cubs in a litter and the vet and keeping teams were continually monitoring Forest throughout her labour,” said Jerome.
Initial observations noted the second cub was quieter and less active than the older cub and sadly it did not survive. In the carnivore world cub mortality rates are high, with around 40% of hyena cubs not surviving to adulthood.
“The older cub is thriving under Forest’s care and she is a very proud mum, even bringing the cub outside the den on occasion to show the newborn off to dad, Gamba, and keepers.”
For the next few weeks the cub will spend the majority of time in the den before starting to venture out into the big wild world.
This is Forest and Gamba’s ninth cub to be born at Monarto Safari Park.
The baby boom continues at Adelaide Zoo, with the birth of a Black-and-white Colobus on Monday 27 November.
Senior Keeper of Primates at Adelaide Zoo, Pij Olijnyk, said mum Zamba and her little one are doing well, spending time suckling and bonding.
“All signs are looking positive and the infant is suckling and clinging to mum’s chest.
“In a colobus group females share carrying an infant, and we’ve already seen carrying duties of the little one shared between Zamba and her sister Adale.
“Black-and-white Colobus are actually born completely white before developing their black markings as they grow, so the infant is very easy to spot!” said Pij.
This is the second Black-and-white Colobus born at Adelaide Zoo, with Jamila born on 30 January 2023.
Giraffe, Spotted Hyena and Black-and-white Colobus populations are all under threat, making these healthy newborns all the more special. Each birth is a positive step forward in the conservation of these species and Zoos SA is proud to play a major role in regional breeding programs.
As a conservation charity, every time you visit your favourite animal at Monarto Safari Park or Adelaide Zoo, purchase a membership or gift from the Zoo Shop, you are helping to protect these incredible animals for future generations.
