A baby giraffe born on Good Friday at Altina Wildlife Park has been named this week in celebration of World Giraffe Day.
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Born at over six feet tall to mum Manzi, and weighing at just under 100kg, the young giraffe has continued to grow quickly, including in his personality.
"This little guy is super mischievous and inquisitive, always being the first to check out anything the keepers bring him" a spokesperson for Altina said.
In an online auction, community members were given the opportunity to name the baby, with preference given to a Swahili name to pay homage to his African heritage.
Selena Clark won the auction, suggesting the name "Kabelo" which means gift in African and a name that suits the personality of the baby giraffe.
"This money will go towards supporting our conservation efforts here at the park as well as the breeding programs we are apart of across Australasia" said Rebecca Surian, Animal and Operations Manager said.
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"We are hoping that when Kabelo is older we can put him in an enclosure with his dad Uthuli so they can keep each other company".
Currently, there is about six months until the next breeding season begins with high hopes that Manzi will have her fifth baby with male giraffe Shaka.
But for now, Kabelo will be sticking close by to mum, and will be moved to his new pen when he is about 15 months old, around the time that male giraffes in the wild leave their herds.
"He is the biggest baby we have ever had and is still growing so we are excited to watch him thrive at the park" Mrs Surian said.
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