Meet Silvia! Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo announce giraffe calf named after longtime zookeeper

Press Release - Louisville Zoo

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are excited to announce the name of the Zoo’s new giraffe calf that is capturing the hearts of visitors this spring.  She is named Silvia for longtime Zookeeper Silvia Zirkelbach, whose dedication has helped shape generations of animal care at the Zoo.

Born on May 3, the female calf represents a new chapter for giraffe conservation efforts at the Louisville Zoo. Naming the calf after Zirkelbach is a nod to her 43 years of commitment, compassion, and expertise.  Those qualities are also reflected daily in the work of the Zoo’s dedicated keeper staff.  Their collective care, skill, and attention drive both animal well-being and conservation outcomes.

Zirkelbach helped care for 22 of the Zoo’s 25 giraffe calves over its 57-year history. She began as a volunteer in the giraffe area.  She later joined the team full-time as a staff member and has remained caring for the Zoo’s giraffes ever since.

“I certainly never imagined something like this,” said Zirkelbach of the naming honor. “I’ve been so fortunate to spend my career caring for these animals and working alongside such a dedicated team. To have this calf named after me is truly unexpected and incredibly meaningful. It’s an honor I will cherish forever.”

“This precious calf represents hope for a vulnerable species, and it’s only fitting that we honor someone who has dedicated their career to cherishing wildlife and advancing our mission,” said Dan Maloney, Louisville Zoo Director. “The essential work of our gifted animal care staff is at the heart of what we do, and this naming is a meaningful and fitting way to celebrate a legacy of commitment that makes these special moments possible.”

The giraffe calf continues to thrive under the attentive care of the Zoo’s animal and veterinary teams. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, the birth contributes to the long-term sustainability and genetic diversity of Masai giraffes, a species facing significant challenges in the wild.

Guests will have the opportunity to see the calf as she grows and explores her habitat in the coming weeks with her tower (a group of giraffes).

About the Giraffe calf

Silvia, a female Masai giraffe, was born on May 3, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. Her mother is nine‑year‑old Kianga and her father is 10‑year‑old Baridi. Silvia weighed 190 lbs. when she was born and measured 74 inches tall.  She was up and walking within moments after her birth.

About Masai Giraffes

Masai giraffes, native to East Africa, are the largest subspecies of giraffes. They are distinguished by their irregular, star-shaped spots that are like a fingerprint and unique to each individual animal. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species categorizes Masai 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, hours are 10 a.m. to 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).