Say hello to Azizi!
The name for Adelaide Zoo’s seven-week-old giraffe calf is from Swahili, meaning beloved, precious one, treasure and valuable.
The name was chosen from a public vote, and the zoo made the announcement after counting all 3,000 entries. The name Azizi won by a landslide, securing over 60% of the votes.
“Although this little one didn’t have the best start to life after being rejected by his mum, we are really pleased to say that he is thriving,” says Director of Life Sciences Phil Ainsley.
Just shy of two-months-old, Azizi’s life hasn’t been the easiest. He was transferred from Monarto Safari Park to Adelaide Zoo shortly after birth after keepers noticed he was not getting sufficient feeds or the vital nutrients that he needed from his mother, Scarlett.
They feared his condition would quickly deteriorate, so after discussing the best welfare outcome, it was decided that Azizi would be moved to Adelaide Zoo so that he can receive round the clock care.
Both the Adelaide Zoo and Monarto are experienced in hand-raising giraffes, such as with giraffes Eyelean and Nolean, who were also rejected by their mothers as birth.
Since his big move, the young giraffe’s health has thankfully continued to improve.
“It’s still early days in terms of his development, but he is gaining weight and height and we are very happy with how everything is going,” shares Phil.
Azizi joins the two other giraffes at the Adelaide Zoo, Kimya and Nolean, who both tower over the little guy.
“He has bonded with both giraffes, and the feeling appears to be mutual. We continue to monitor him closely but are hopeful that his future looks bright,” says Phil.
Although he is the newest giraffe in the zoo, after his public debut last week it is clear that he is already a fan favorite.
Adelaide Zoo’s giraffe exhibit recently underwent Phase 1 of its expansion. Phase 2 will see the enclosure grow to 2500m², with the final expansion phase providing a total of over 5000m².
This means that the giraffes will soon have plenty of room to wander around in.
It is expected that Adelaide Zoo will be busy over the long weekend, especially because of little Azizi.
Find the Adelaide Zoo on Frome Road.
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