Emerald World Zoo’s most loved duo, Storm and Rain, are turning two this month after their unique friendship began two years ago on 9 April 2022.

Storm is an orphaned giraffe born in the zoo. She was given her name due to the intense hail storm that occurred on the day of her birth.

“Her mother sadly passed away due to complications and we had to step in to assist. She was hand-reared and bottle-fed,” said Lizinda Corbett, the River Resort manager.

“Because of her nature, we had to get her a friend, and a local dairy farmer donated a cow calf to us. We called her Rain.” The two became the best of friends because they were hand-reared together, almost like siblings.

Storm, the giraffe. Photo supplied

Both Rain and Storm are very special to the zoo. “They’ve become part of the family,” said Corbett.

“Celebrating their birthdays for us is a way of contributing to the education and awareness of the local communities, as well as allowing people to share in our joy of having these two animals around.”

The pair are often seen together at the zoo as they share an enclosure. “Rain does irritate Storm from time to time by chewing on her tail or getting under her legs but when night falls they sit snug next to each other sleeping.”

Rain, the cow. Photo supplied

They will celebrate their birthday on 27 April at the Emerald World Zoo with a birthday bash and movie night for the whole family to join.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg