The calf born in the early hours of Wednesday, July 1, has been named Layla by her keepers, meaning born overnight in Swahili.

NEWS AROUND BATHURST:

Layla is the fifth calf for experienced mother Asmara and was sired by Unami.

"Layla is doing very well so far. She is a very confident calf and is already following the herd around rather than sitting in a secluded area of the paddock like most newborn calves," giraffe keeper Jack Foley said.

"Visitors over the school holiday period were very lucky as she was out on exhibit with the herd from one day old, so lots of people saw her in those first couple of weeks as she was finding her feet.

"Giraffe calves are like any other newborn - active for a period of time and then resting.

"The best time to see Layla is in the mornings when she is generally more active."

Taronga Western Plains Zoo says it has become the region's breeding powerhouse for the species.

The zoo often transfers giraffe to other zoos throughout Australia.

A mother and calf were recently transferred to Taronga Zoo, Sydney and three males were transferred to the African Savannah exhibit in Dubbo to join the bachelor herd.

The gestation period for a giraffe is 14 to 16 months.

The global giraffe population has fallen up to 40 per cent in the past 30 years as a result of poaching for bush meat and habitat encroachment.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo now has 11 giraffe in the main breeding herd and another seven giraffe in the bachelor herd on the African Savannah.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is open every day from 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm).