Summer is here and so are lots of new arrivals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Keepers welcomed the arrival of a Hippo calf in early September and 2014’s second Giraffe calf in late October to the delight of visitors.

The female Hippo calf named Kibibi, meaning ‘little lady’ in Swahili, was born in the evening on Tuesday 11 September 2014.

Kibibi is a very significant birth as it is the first calf for parents Cuddles and Mana, signifying the creation of a new genetic bloodline.

“Cuddles has been a very attentive mother, nursing her young underwater and bonding well with her calf”, said Hippo Keeper, Carolene Magner.

The latest Giraffe calf was born on Sunday 19 October 2014 and is the eighth calf for mother, Tuli who is displaying all the right maternal behaviours. Keepers have named her Ajali (pronounced A-jah-lee) which is Swahili for ‘destiny’.

Ajali is settling into the herd well and is accompanied by another young male calf, Nkosi, who arrived earlier this year on Sunday 3 August.

“The calves are already starting to develop a relationship, as Nkosi is very curious about the new calf”, said Giraffe Keeper, Anthony Dorrian.

“The spring months are always exciting as many species give birth around this time. Two Addax calves, Ostrich chicks and a Przewalski’s Horse foal have also joined a brood of new arrivals.

“All of the new arrivals are currently on exhibit, to the delight of visitors who are able to watch them grow and mature over the summer months”, said Anthony.

Visitors to Taronga Western Plains Zoo can also take advantage of the new self-contained Savannah Cabins accommodation which opened in spring. The cabins feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms and sleep up to six, providing visitors with the flexibility to explore the Zoo as well as Dubbo and the surrounding region.