Ready to meet Gail? This 2-week-old Masai giraffe calf has started making trips out to our main giraffe habitat in our Expedition Africa area with her mom, Kumi, and the rest of our giraffe herd!

We are so excited for Gail to continue to explore and learn right before all of our eyes! Keep in mind, Gail and Kumi – along with all our other animal residents – have choice over how and where they spend their days. This may mean that Gail and Kumi could opt to stay behind-the-scenes for the day. 

Born on Sept. 14, Gail spent the first few weeks of her life bonding with her 12-year-old mother, Kumi, and meeting the Zoo’s other five giraffe residents. Gail is the first giraffe calf born at the Zoo in six years. The last calf born at the Zoo was her father, 6-year-old Mapenzi.    

Gail’s first visit in front of guests included investigating every aspect of the habitat, from its trees and boulders to fellow animal residents like ostriches and impala.   

Kumi and Mapenzi were paired up according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes. This program ensures there is a healthy, genetically diverse safeguard population in AZA-accredited organizations.   

Gail’s arrival is good news for the Masai giraffe subspecies, which is considered endangered and is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, disease and more in Tanzania and Kenya. A second giraffe at the Zoo, Tisa, is also pregnant and expected to give birth later this year.