IF you are heading out the the Taronga Western Plains Zoo on Friday be sure to stop at the giraffe enclosure to wish the one and only Mutangi a happy birthday as she celebrates 25 years of age.
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Mutangi was the first giraffe calf to be born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo all those years ago on November 13, 1990, and is now the eldest of the 11 giraffes at the zoo.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo unit supervisor Pascale Benoit, who has worked at the zoo for 26.5 years, taking in all of Mutangi's life, said from the beginning she was full of character and that has continued onto today.
"She was a very cheeky calf," she said.
"Very outgoing and challenged all the keepers in a good way.
"I've seen most of the giraffes born and grow up here which has been a thrill and there have also been a number go onto breeding programs at other zoos."
Mutangi will have the chance to celebrate her birthday with several family members, as she is the eldest of four generations.
In Mutangi's family tree at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo are a daughter, granddaughter and great grandson.
As giraffes have a life expectancy of 21 to 26 years, Ms Benoit is pleased Mutangi's legacy will carry on for many years to come.
"The eldest giraffe we've had here was 29 years and 3 months," she said.
"Mutangi is currently the eldest so you could say she is the retired grandma.
"She has the respect of all the other giraffes, there isn't really a hierarchy as such, but they all get on well together."
The Taronga Western Plains Zoo staff don't have anything outrageous planned for Mutangi, but they have said she'll get some extra attention and some extra food at meal times.
