Busy season for “maternity ward”

Press, 27 December 1985, Page 18

Busy season for “maternity ward”

Orana Park staff are eagerly awaiting the birth of several animal babies. One of the zebras was expected to give birth two months ago, but unfortunately the date of conception was miscalculated, and staff now have to just wait and see when the foal will be born, says Jim McGill, Orana Park’s promotions officer. The park will adopt the new-born foal as its mascot, says Mr McGill, and people will be invited to name it

One of the oldest lionesses at the park, Angel, is also expecting more cubs. They are due to be born in December, and will be able to be viewed by the public about seven days after they are born. Cubs are usually kept quiet for a period immediately after their birth. New arrivals this year include a pair of North Island kakas which arrived in early December from Nelson. The three-year-old kakas were bom and raised

in captivity at the Auckland Zoo. Several red Patas monkeys are also expected to arrive at the Park from San Diego Zoo. The kiwis are thriving in their new. kiwi house, says Mr McGill “They seem to be well in phase with their environment” During the day the lights in the kiwi house are a dim blue, enough for people to see them by, but not bright enough to disturb the nocturnal birds. At night the

lights are turned on full to create a day for the kiwis, so they can sleep. One of the two giraffes at the 4>ark, Jaffa, has outgrown his stall and will need a new one. “He has to duck his head not to get into; his shelter,” says Mr McGill Jaffa and his mate Celeste are almost ready to mate. A baby giraffe could be ex-; peeled within two years. A new house will be built for Jaffa in the African Plains area.