LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Zoo is welcoming its first giraffe calf in 12 years.
Parents Kianga and Baridi welcomed a newborn male Masai giraffe Aug. 9, 2024, with a name set to be announced in the upcoming weeks. Kianga, 7, delivered the calf after a gestation period of 15 to 17 months. He stood at 6-foot-2 and weighed 160 pounds at birth.
The zoo said this pregnancy was a planned part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes, which aims to maintain the genetic diversity of managed animal populations in human care. The Louisville Zoo's last giraffe calf was Silvester in 2012.
"We are delighted to celebrate this important birth,” said Dan Maloney, director of the Louisville Zoo. "Both Kianga and the calf are doing well, and the zoo staff is closely monitoring them to ensure their continued health and well-being."
While the calf is being nurtured off-exhibit, the zoo said it encourages guests to follow updates and watch his growth through its online giraffe cam. He should debut to the public within the coming days, the zoo added.
For $99, a special ADOPTS package offers guests the chance to "adopt" the giraffe calf, featuring a mom and calf plushie, an adoption certificate, the adopter’s name listed on the zoo’s website, a colorful zoo magnet and two admission passes. Zoo fans can also visit louisvillezoo.org/giraffe-donation-2024 to make donations of any amount, which the zoo said ensures the calf and his parents receive top-notch care.
Masai giraffes are native to East Africa and the largest subspecies of giraffe, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species categorizes as vulnerable. With habitat loss and poaching being their primary threats, Masai giraffe numbers have declined more than 50% in the last 30 years. The Louisville Zoo said it is committed to preserving this species through education, breeding programs and other efforts.
The zoo is open daily year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Summer hours, which run through Sept. 22, are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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