On the shortest day of the year the Zoos SA team are joining in global celebrations for the tallest species in the animal kingdom – it’s World Giraffe Day!
To mark the spotty day, Adelaide Zoo giraffe keepers have big news to share about the littlest member of the tower. 18-month-old male giraffe, Matumi, is preparing for a move from Adelaide Zoo to Monarto Safari Park.
“In the wild, male giraffe calves part ways with their mum around 15 to 18 months of age to join all male herds, so it’s time for Matumi to join a male herd at Monarto Safari Park,” said Elise, Adelaide Zoo Senior Keeper of Ungulates.
Transporting such a large animal is a delicate task. The first step will see keepers work with Matumi to help him feel comfortable and safe in the specially designed giraffe transport trailer which was moved into the giraffe habitat on Wednesday/Thursday.
“The trailer is a new object for Matumi and we will work at his pace to help build his confidence.
“Conditioning will start slow and we will use target training and some of his favourite treats to encourage Matumi to approach the trailer and be comfortable standing close to it.
“Training will then progress to encouraging Matumi to put his front hooves inside the trailer. Step by step, we will gradually work up to Matumi being calm fully inside the trailer.
“Keepers have built a strong relationship with Matumi and this trust will be important in the training process,” said Elise.
Matumi arrived at Adelaide Zoo in January 2023 after he and his mum failed to bond at Monarto Safari Park. Thanks to the dedicated keepers, Matumi had round-the-clock care and he’s now grown into a healthy, thriving young giraffe.
“Matumi is a very special giraffe and he will be dearly missed by his devoted keepers and by visitors who have watched him grow up at the zoo. But it’s time for his next exciting chapter,” said Elise.
All going well, Matumi will make the journey to Monarto Safari Park this winter. Female giraffes, Kimya and Nolean, will remain at Adelaide Zoo.
The spot-tastic World Giraffe Day celebrations were in full swing across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, with visitors donning their spots and enjoying free face painting, adorable giraffe finger puppets and a special giraffe keeper talk as part of festivities.
Importantly, the celebrations shone a spotlight on the silent extinction giraffe are facing.
Sadly, there are approximately 117,000 giraffe left in the wild and the species is listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN Red List.
Zoos SA is on a mission to save this incredible species and is proud to facilitate the most successful giraffe breeding program in Australasia at Monarto Safari Park – 58 giraffe have been bred at the park!
Zoos SA’s work in protecting giraffe extends to wild habitats by partnering with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation who are fighting to save the species throughout Africa. Zoos SA’s support has helped purchase GPS satellite-tracking units that provide a better understanding of wild giraffes’ movements and habitat use to inform effective conservation and planning.
Giraffe lovers can support this important conservation work by visiting the beautiful giraffe at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, adopting a giraffe or purchasing a bottle of Kimbolton Wines’ Fiano giraffe wine.
