Giraffe Birth 2024

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.

His name is Nyasi which means “grass” in Swahili language. Giraffe inhabit the tall savanna grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. The name was chosen from almost 4,000 votes on the Zoo’s website.

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.”

Nyasi and mom are usually on exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Our webcam for the giraffes has now been turned off. For more information on public viewing please visit Today at the Zoo.

MEET THE PARENTS

Mother: Kianga

Kianga was born in 2016.

Dad: Baridi

Baridi was born in 2015.

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!

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?
His name is Nyasi which means “grass” in Swahili language. Giraffe inhabit the tall savanna grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. The name was chosen from almost 4,000 votes on the Zoo’s website.
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!

NAME THE GIRAFFE

With almost 4,000 total votes, the giraffe name has been chosen!

His name is Nyasi which means “grass” in Swahili language. Giraffe inhabit the tall savanna grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. The name was chosen from almost 4,000 votes on the Zoo’s website.