Zoo Contact:  Kyle Shepherd
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
(O) 502-238-5331 (C) 502-744-5639  

The Louisville Zoo is inviting the public to help name one of its newest additions, a male Masai giraffe calf born on August 9, 2024. This is the first giraffe born at the Zoo in 12 years. Now, giraffe keepers have selected three potential names that reflect both the calf’s spirited personality and the native habitats of Masai giraffes. Zoo guests can participate in naming the calf by voting for their favorite option from the following:

·         Tana (ta-NAH): The name of the longest river in Kenya, where Masai giraffes reside.

·         Nyasi (nee-YAH-see): Means “grass” in Swahili, the language spoken in Kenya, reflecting the savanna grasslands where giraffes live.

·         Mdogo (em-DOE-go): Means “little” or “young” in Swahili.

Voting begins today and continues through Monday, September 16, at 11 p.m. Guests can cast their votes once daily at louisvillezoo.org/namethegiraffe.

The giraffe calf is currently on exhibit with his mother, 7-year-old Kianga, and father, 8-year-old Baridi. Guests can also watch the family bond in off-exhibit spaces through the Zoo’s behind-the-scenes giraffe camera at louisvillezoo.org/giraffecam.

About Masai Giraffes:

Masai giraffes, native to East Africa, are the largest subspecies of giraffe. They are distinguished by their irregular, star-shaped spots which are like a fingerprint and unique to each individual animal. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species categorizes giraffes as vulnerable.  Masai giraffe populations have declined by more than 50 percent in last 30 years due to habitat loss and poaching. The Louisville Zoo is committed to the conservation of this majestic species through education, breeding programs, and support of conservation efforts in the wild.

Zoo Hours:

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (guests can stay until 6 p.m.) through Sept. 22, 2024. From Sept. 23, 2024 – March 14, 2025, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is open year-round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.

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About the Louisville Zoo:

The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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