By Trish Svoboda

The Kansas City Zoo welcomed a baby Masai Giraffe to its family on Sunday, June 30. The zoo posted on its social media that the baby female giraffe is about 5’6” and weighs approximately 125 pounds. A neonatal exam showed that the calf is in good health, and is bonding with mom, Makali behind the scenes before meeting the rest of the herd.

This is the second calf birthed by 12-year-old Makali. In 2018 she gave birth to Maxwell, who left the zoo in 2020 via a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP).

This new addition brings the giraffe total to five. The other herd members include 4-year-old first-time father, Aidan, 4-year-old Chandy, and 2-year-old Alika.