Louisville Zoo celebrates birth of giraffe calf

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Zoo says its first giraffe born in 12 years was welcomed on Friday.

According to a release from the Zoo, a newborn male Masai giraffe was born to parents Kianga and Baridi. A name is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“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.”

The calf weighed 160 pounds and stood at 6 feet and 2 inches tall at birth, the Zoo says.

The Zoo says the pregnancy was a planned part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes, aimed at maintaining the genetic diversity of managed animal populations in human care.

Currently, the calf is being raised and nurtured off exhibit.

You can follow updates and watch the calf’s first weeks by viewing the giraffe cam at louisvillezoo.org/giraffecam.