Perth Zoo's gentle giant, Inkosi the giraffe, is on a marathon journey across the Nullarbor to his new home in South Australia.

  • Giant farewell to Inkosi the giraffe as he heads to South Australia
  • Big journey to transfer 800-kilogram giraffe to open-range zoo
  • Part of breeding program and major milestone in giraffe conservation

The three-year-old is being transferred as part of a regional breeding program to save the species from extinction.

The preparation has been a tall order and months in the making, with daily crate training to help the four-metre animal feel at ease on the road.

Two zookeepers and a veterinarian will travel with Inkosi on the three-day trip, stretching 2,750 kilometres to Monarto Safari Park near Adelaide. His safety is their highest priority.

Inkosi means "the king" in Zulu, with plans for the eligible bachelor to sire calves in the future.

Giraffe populations in the wild have declined by more than 40 per cent in the past three decades.

Perth Zoo plays an important role in collaborative breeding programs to help increase the genetic diversity of our much-loved animals.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"Perth Zoo's conservation efforts extend well beyond the gates, and Inkosi's transfer is a great example of this vital work in action.

"We wish Inkosi well, and hope he lives up to his name by reigning over his own herd at his new home in South Australia.

"Perth Zoo are experts in giraffe transfers, and the dedicated team has been working hard on this major milestone for conservation."