A female giraffe calf born at Perth Zoo three weeks ago has made its public debut.

The calf is the result of a whirlwind romance between the zoo's giraffe bull Armani and female Kitoto, who was transported across the country on the back of a truck 15 months ago.

It is no coincidence that 15 months also happens to be the gestation period for a giraffe — suggesting Armani and Kitoto did not waste any time before getting down to business.

"There wasn't a lot of time between dates, that's for sure," senior zookeeper Kaelene McKay said.

The calf is considered an important addition to Australia's giraffe breeding program. ( ABC News: Charlotte Hamlyn )

"Armani got right in there and made friends."

The young giraffe has been kept out of public view for the first few weeks of its life to give it time to bond with its mother and get used to its surroundings.

The calf has been getting plenty of love from father Armani (left) and mother Kitoto. ( Facebook: Perth Zoo )

"Despite all the excitement over our new calf we wanted to give her plenty of time alone with Kitoto to bond, and then gradually introduced her to new experiences before she was ready to meet the public," Ms McKay said.

"Our calf met Armani [its father] on day six and he proved himself to be an excellent dad."

The calf also had to meet another female giraffe and two zebras who share the same enclosure.

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Zoo visitors urged to be patient

Keepers said the other animals were getting used to the new arrival.

"Our other giraffe Ellie was a little put out by the young calf at first, but is becoming more comfortable every day," Ms McKay said.

Mother Kitoto has been keeping a close eye on the calf. ( ABC News: Charlotte Hamlyn )

But like all newborns, the calf can be unpredictable, and onlookers are being urged to be patient with it.

"She's got to find her feet and find her way around the enclosure and she's still young, she needs nap time," Ms McKay said.

"If you can't see her, go and see some other animals and head back because she's definitely worth the wait."

A competition to name the new calf has received almost 700 entries, with the winning suggestion expected to be announced next week.

The calf is the ninth giraffe to be born at Perth Zoo since 1995.