Keepers and visitors have celebrated the first birthday of Nolean, Adelaide Zoo’s beautiful giraffe calf.
“Zoos SA’s BEEZA group created some fabulous enrichment and decorations to mark the day which Nolean has really enjoyed. There are cardboard cutouts of animals, a big banner, and she has enjoyed tasty enrichment throughout the day,” said keeper Kat Moore.
“Nolean had a special birthday iceblock and a birthday box filled with lucerne and giraffe pellets. She has been thoroughly spoiled and quite rightly so as she is an amazing giraffe.
When asked to describe Nolean, Kat said: “She is very bonded to her keepers and we feel the same. Nolean is playful, cheeky, and very curious – much like your typical one-year-old!”
To mark Nolean’s birthday, visitors to Adelaide Zoo were treated to lamington cakes delivered by Larry the Lamington from Kytons Bakery and enjoyed a special keeper talk all about Nolean and Kimya and the conservation story behind giraffes in the wild.
Nolean arrived from Monarto Safari Park in June this year after being hand-raised by a team of dedicated keepers and veterinary staff. At times Nolean required round the clock care. The plucky giraffe calf soon picked up health and was bottle-fed on the back of the keepers’ truck before her move to join Kimya at Adelaide Zoo.
Giraffes face a challenging fight for survival, with habitat loss, poaching and civil unrest seeing their numbers plummet across their natural range.
Kimya, and Nolean, act as powerful ambassadors for their wild cousins at Adelaide Zoo, helping to educate visitors about wild giraffes’ plight.
Those wishing to visit Adelaide Zoo and see Nolean and Kimya are required to book tickets online at www.adelaidezoo.com.au/tickets.
