Newborn a tall order for second time mum at Mogo Zoo

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Visitors to Mogo Wildlife Park were on hand to witness a truly memorable moment as giraffe Binti gave birth to a healthy calf on November 24 at 2 pm.

It is currently unknown whether the calf is male or female.

Zookeeper Chad Staples said both mum and calf were doing well.

"Binti gave birth completely on display with people watching all day which was pretty exciting," he said.

"They saw everything.

"We're just letting mum and bub have some time together.

"She's doing everything well, she's feeding well, looking after them and keeping them out of the rain.

Chad was watching closely as Binti gave birth, with the zookeeper saying the birth went well. He even shared the calf's first steps on his Facebook page.

"We didn't have to intervene at all. Mum knows what she's doing and that's certainly the best option," Chad said.

"We only intervene if something goes wrong.

"The baby is very healthy, they stood up within an hour. They are feeding perfectly.

"It's Binti's second baby, thankfully it meant she knew what she was doing, she just relaxed and did what she was supposed to do."

They say it takes a village to raise a baby, but in this case, it's a tower of giraffes that's on hand to help the second-time mum.

"We kept her separate for the birth but what's really amazing is that the whole group is constantly going over and checking on her," Chad explained.

"It's a beautiful thing to watch how the group dynamic works.

"This baby now brings the group in Mogo to 10, which is one of the largest in the country."

For those hoping to witness a giraffe birth, Binti's sister Onni is also pregnant and is expected to give birth in a few monthsfrom now.

The gestation period for giraffes is 16 months. According to zookeeper Chad, labour is relatively quick for giraffes and lasts for a couple of hours from start to finish.