Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo celebrate the long-awaited birth of a Masai giraffe

Press Release

It’s a girl! Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are excited to announce the birth of a Masai giraffe.

The yet‑to‑be‑named giraffe calf was born at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, to 9‑year‑old mother Kianga and 10‑year‑old father Baridi following a 450 to 465-day gestation. Weighing 190 lbs. and measuring 74 inches tall, the calf was up and walking within moments. A name will be announced in the coming weeks.

This pregnancy was a planned part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes, which is designed to help maintain genetic diversity and support the long‑term sustainability of managed animal populations in human care.

“The birth of this Masai giraffe calf is a powerful reminder of why accredited zoos are essential,” said Dan Maloney, Louisville Zoo director. “Masai giraffes are an endangered species, and every healthy calf represents hope for the future. This is the Zoo’s 25^th calf and an important milestone reflecting the exceptional care provided by our animal and veterinary teams while reinforcing the Louisville Zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation and long-term species survival.”

Currently, the calf is being raised and nurtured off exhibit as mother and calf continue to bond. Information on when the public can view the calf will be shared via the Zoo’s official website and social media channels. The Zoo anticipates the calf will make its public debut in the coming weeks.

Guests may also symbolically “adopt” the giraffe calf through a special ADOPTS package coming soon which includes a giraffe plush, an adoption certificate, fact sheet about the animal, magnet and the adopter’s name listed on the Zoo’s website, and two admission passes to visit to the Louisville Zoo all for $99. Visit louisvillezoo.org/adopts for more information and to purchase.

About Masai Giraffes

Masai giraffes, native to East Africa, are the largest subspecies of giraffes. 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 endangered. Masai giraffe numbers have declined more than 50 percent in the last 30 years. Their largest threats are 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. Now through September 20, 2026, are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.

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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 a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) which is a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).