We are jumping with joy to announce a not-so-little giraffe calf has been born just in time for the Easter long weekend!

Monarto Zoo keepers were delighted to see fifth-time mum Myeisha give birth to an adorable calf yesterday afternoon.

This exciting new addition marks the 45th calf born at Monarto Zoo and the first born in 2019.

Monarto Zoo Keeper Matt Brewer said the lanky bundle of joy appeared to be settling in well with the rest of the herd in the waterhole habitat.

“The little calf is doing very well, shortly after it was born it was already up on its feet and getting used to its long legs,” Matt said.

“It’s feeding very well, Myeisha has already mothered four calves before and she is proving to be an excellent mum again.

“A new birth is always an exciting time, so we are expecting a lot of visitors to come and see the baby, especially since it’s arrived in time for the school holidays and Easter long weekend.”

Sadly, giraffe are facing trouble in the wild, making this calf an important contribution to the breeding program working to secure the future of the species.

Habitat loss, poaching and civil unrest has seen giraffe numbers plummet from around 155,000 in 1985 to about 70,000 today.

As a conservation charity, Zoos South Australia is committed to continuing our successful breeding program to ensure generations to come can enjoy the wonder of these tall, gentle creatures.

“Giraffes are facing a bit of trouble in the wild, so this little calf already has an important role to play in helping raise awareness for the species,” Matt said.

“We are very proud to have successfully welcomed 45 calves over the years at Monarto, and this new calf marks another significant contribution to giraffe conservation.”

Visitors should be able to get a glimpse of the new arrival over the Easter long weekend and during school holidays.

Plus, with a newborn Chimpanzee, Southern White Rhino calf, two baby Nyalas and much more, there’s plenty of excitement at Monarto Zoo!

Both Monarto Zoo and Adelaide Zoo are open 365 days a year, including all Easter long weekend.