header image of giraffe mom Kianga and calf with text "Name the Giraffe"

Giraffe Naming Contest 2024

Voting has ended.

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.

We are looking for help from the community to name our little six foot bundle of joy! It's been 12 years since a giraffe was born successfully at the Zoo and we invite our loyal guests to choose from the following choices (provided by our keeper staff) through Monday, Sept 16 at 11 p.m. (PST)

Tana: (ta-NAH) is the longest river in Kenya where Masai giraffe reside.

Nyasi (nee-YAH-see) means grass in Swahili, the language of Kenya where Masai giraffe live. Giraffe can also be found in Savanna grasslands

Mdogo (em-DOE-go) means "little" or "young" in Swahili

We welcome you to vote up to once per day.

Nyasi
36.15%
Tana
35.95%
Mdogo
27.91%

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Masai Giraffe Calf

Mother: Kianga
Father: Baridi
Born: Friday, August 9, 2024

There’s a 6-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 in 12 years.

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.

Nyasi and mom are usually on exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.  For more information on the calf, updates on public viewing, please click below.

more info