Baby giraffe born at Auckland Zoo

The baby giraffe with his mother Kiraka (Photo: Auckland Zoo)
The baby giraffe with his mother Kiraka (Photo: Auckland Zoo)

Auckland Zoo has welcomed a new baby giraffe - the first male to be born at the zoo since 2010.

Born on Friday the giraffe is a Rothschild sub-species, making it a valuable addition to the zoo.

The sub-species are listed as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red List.

"Genetically this newcomer is a valuable addition to the Australasian breeding programme," said Auckland Zoo spokeswoman Kate Orgias.

The calf is the son of mother Kiraka and father Zabulu.

It’s the second calf for five-year-old Kiraka who has her first calf (female Mdomo) in November 2013.

 "So it makes Zabulu and his calves genetics very valuable," said Ms Orgias.  

Auckland Zoo now has seven giraffes – one male, two adult females, two two-year- old females, one four-month-old female and the new male calf.

The male calf remains unnamed as the keepers are waiting until they get to know the calf a bit better.

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