Double the Joy: Giraffe calves born days apart at Mogo Wildlife Park

Two giraffe calves are delighting staff and visitors with their playful antics at a south coast zoo. See the video.

A south coast NSW zoo has stuck its neck out, unveiling two newborn giraffe calves to the adoring public.

The first calf was born on December 27 at Mogo Wildlife Park, with the second just a few days later.

The female calves were born to different mothers – Oni and Tuli.

Chad Staples, the managing director of the park, said the hours following their births were special.

Two giraffe calves have been unveiled to the public at Mogo Wildlife Park. Picture: Jonathan Ng

One of the new giraffe calves with her mum. Mum and bub are happy together and healthy, Picture: Jonathan Ng

“We were watching with anticipation, first the mum turns and starts cleaning and encouraging the calf to get up, then it’s the calf being able to stand and walk within hours,” he said. “It’s the biggest moment when you see the calf successfully feeding, because mum and bub are happy together and healthy.

The giraffe calves were born to different mothers – Oni and Tuli. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The births of the two giraffes is an unusual feat for Mogo, with two giraffes being born so close together uncommon. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Having a big herd of their mums and grandmas around them makes them thrive. So the calves just explore, watch things and take in the world.”

The births are an unusual feat for Mogo, with two giraffes being born so close together uncommon.

“Giraffes are pregnant for 16 months so to have such synchronicity with births is a real rarity,” Mr Staples said.

“We see lots of playful behaviour between the two. In the future, we expect that if one runs, the other will follow, gaining confidence and curiosity with their buddy by their side.”

Originally published as Double the Joy: Giraffe calves born days apart at Mogo Wildlife Park