There is a new addition to one of the most popular exhibits at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with two-week-old Nkosi joining the giraffe enclosure on display to the public.
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The name Nkosi means chief in Zulu but for now, rather than ruling the roost, he has to settle for being the smallest one in the enclosure.
Zookeeper Kevin Milton said the birth was relatively straightforward and the calf has been doing well.
"He was born two weeks ago. A giraffe's pregnancy lasts 455 days or around 15 months. They tend to hide their pregnancies but we knew his mother was pregnant," he said.
Nkosi was already taller than an adult human when he was born, standing at almost two metres high and when he reaches maturity, it is expected he will be over five metres.
He is the second calf for Ntombi and he will feed from her for approximately four months before moving onto solid food.
"Giraffes aren't the most social creatures. He might be at one end of the enclosure and his mother might be up the other end but he spends a fair bit of time chasing her round and feeding.
Nkosi will remain with his mother for the immediate future but could find himself at another zoo in Australia or further afield in years to come.
"Boys aren't as important as girls to our breeding program. He will be important around the region. He will stay with his mother for at least 12 months and then a decision will be made on his future," Mr Milton said.
"We have another two giraffes who are pregnant and they are due in the next 12 months.
"Our breeding program has been very successful and we supply Australasia. We sent giraffes to New Zealand and to other zoos in Australia."
