Taronga Western Plains Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a female Giraffe calf born in the night quarters on the morning of Monday 4 April 2011.

The female calf, who has been named Mvita by her keepers meaning ‘full of life’ in the African language of Shona, is the seventh calf for experienced mother, Mutangi.

Both mother and calf are doing very well and whilst Mvita is reluctant to wander away from mum’s side at present she will become more adventurous in the next couple of weeks.

Mvita is full of attitude and does not always do what her keepers would like her to do.  She is easily identified by a black spot or birth mark on her neck, which is quite unique and something the keepers have not seen before

Mutangi, the first calf to be born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, is now 20 years old.  Mvita will be Mutangi’s last calf, however, it is hoped that her offspring will continue her breeding legacy well into the future.  

Mandy - Zoo CommunicationsImage Credit: Mark O'Riordan