Sydney Zoo's Newborn Giraffe Follows Keeper Around, Sparking Adorable Bond

The Sydney Zoo welcomed a new addition to its family at the end of January: a male giraffe calf named Tamboti. Videos have been shared showing him behind the scenes, exploring his enclosure and getting to know his mother and caretakers. One caretaker has particularly caught the little giraffe's attention, and the calf has apparently chosen him as his new best friend.

In the footage, Tamboti can be seen adorably following his caretaker as the man introduces him to his outdoor enclosure for the first time. The curious calf even pauses his exploring to receive some cuddles. It's absolutely adorable, and we're not embarrassed to admit that we're jealous of this guy's job!

The Zoo shared more details in the caption. "From small beginnings to big adventures! Here are the first steps into the larger habitat, and we couldn't be prouder of how far our giraffe calf has come!

Moments like these are a powerful reminder of the impact passionate individuals have every day. We're incredibly proud of the team and grateful for the care they provide to our animals, big and small."

Commenters Joke About the Baby Giraffe Being "Not Dwayne"

The Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas, also recently welcomed a baby giraffe to the family. They named the calf Dwayne, a name that he hilariously refuses to answer to. He'll answer to other giraffes' names, but if his caretakers call out "Dwayne", he immediately can't hear it or will not respond, and people cannot get enough of the stubborn baby giraffe.

Commenter @Delaney 228 joked, "Please don't name it Dwayne." @Monica Wisdom asked, "Does he know Not Dwayne?" @SweetNickie added, "This baby definitely likes his name!"

Even after all the Not Dwayne jokes, the Sydney Zoo explained the meaning behind their calf's name. "The name Tamboti was chosen for a reason. Our calf had a slow start to life, but with care and time, he's grown stronger every day. Tamboti is the name of an African tree known for growing slowly yet becoming resilient and enduring—just like him."

We can't wait to see more of Tamboti!