Giraffe Birth 2024 and live Camera

There’s a six-foot-tall bundle of joy at the Louisville Zoo. A newborn male Masai Giraffe, born to parents Kianga and Baridi on August 9, 2024, marks the first giraffe calf born at the Zoo in 12 years. The last giraffe calf was Silvester in 2012.

 After a gestation period of 15 – 17 months, 7-year-old Kianga delivered the healthy calf, who weighed 160 pounds and stood at 6 feet and 2 inches tall at birth. This pregnancy was a planned part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes, aimed at maintaining the genetic diversity of managed animal populations in human care.

“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.”

Currently, the calf is being raised and nurtured off exhibit. Guests are invited to follow updates and watch the calf’s first weeks by viewing the giraffe cam below.  The Zoo anticipates the calf will make its public debut in the coming weeks. A name will be announced soon!

GIRAFFE CALF WEBCAM

Watch Kianga and her calf as they bond behind-the-scenes.

SUPPORT OUR GIRAFFES

Your support helps to ensure this precious giraffe calf and his parents receive top-notch care around the clock, engaging enrichment activities, and all the essentials they need to thrive. Donations of any amount make an impact!

GIVE TODAY!

MEET THE PARENTS

Mother:  Kianga

Kianga was born in 2016.

Dad:  Baridi

Baridi was born in 2015.

GIRAFFE CALF FAQ

When was the calf born?
The calf was born on August 9, 2024 around 10 a.m.

What is the sex of the calf?
The giraffe calf is a male!

Who are the parents of the calf?
7-year-old Kianga is the mother and 8-year-old Baridi is the father.

Does the calf have a name?
The Zoo will be announcing a name in the coming weeks. Stay tuned on this page and the Louisville Zoo’s social media for updates at facebook.com/louisvillezoo

Are mom Kianga and calf healthy?
Kianga has exhibited good maternal behaviors, properly grooming and nursing the calf. Within an hour of the birth the calf was standing and walking around the den. Keepers and vet staff continue to monitor the mom and calf.

When can we see the giraffe calf?
Kianga and her calf are currently bonding. Zoo fans are welcome to watch Kianga and her calf on our live calf webcam. The Zoo will alert fans when the calf goes on exhibit via the  Zoo’s social channels.

How long is a giraffe pregnancy?
A single calf is born after a 14 – 15-month gestation period.

How big will the calf be?
Masai giraffes, native to East Africa, are the largest subspecies of giraffe. At birth calves weigh between 100 and 200 lbs. and measure about 6-feet tall. Adult females typically weigh between 1,500 – 2,700 lbs. and grow to 16-feet tall while males typically weigh between 2,400 –4,200 lbs. and grow to a height of 19 feet.

Are Masai giraffes endangered?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species categorizes giraffes as a whole as vulnerable.  Masai giraffe numbers have declined more than 50 percent in last 30 years. Their largest threats are habitat loss and poaching.

ADOPT A GIRAFFE & CALF

In honor of our new giraffe calf, for a limited time, you or your loved one can become a symbolic parent of both Kianga and her calf for only $99.

Every package will be mailed with the following:

  • An adoption certificate
  • An animal fact sheet
  • A Louisville Zoo magnet
  • Plush giraffe and calf
  • 2 general admission passes
  • Adoptive parent recognized on website for 1 year

Limited quantities available.

Adopt Kianga and calf!

More Louisville Zoo Animal Cams

 

GLACIER RUN WEBCAM

Watch our seals and sea lions splash, jump, zoom and bask in and out of the water. Be sure to log on at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., or 3:45 p.m. to watch a training demonstration with our pinnipeds and their keepers. Animal demonstrations are subject to change based on weather, maintenance and the needs of the animals.

Watch Now…

MEERKAT WEBCAM

Watch the mob explore their exhibit, discover and investigate enrichment items and interact with each other in a unique hierarchical system. On this page you can also learn more about our meerkats and download supporting materials and activities.

Watch Now…