A beautiful new addition has arrived at Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City—a baby giraffe! The adorable male calf was born early Monday morning, and the zoo team is thrilled to welcome him to their animal family.
A Tall and Healthy Start
At just minutes old, the newborn giraffe was already impressive—standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 139 pounds! He was born naturally at 1:38 a.m. to first-time mother Minka and father Ja. Even though it was Minka’s first birth, she has taken on her new role beautifully. The calf has quickly bonded with her and has started nursing without any issues.
Zoo Staff Ready for Safe Delivery
Even though giraffes usually give birth naturally, the zoo staff didn’t take any chances. They were ready to help and had set up a soft landing area to cushion the calf’s drop from nearly six feet high—a natural part of giraffe births. Thanks to their care, the calf stood and walked on his own shortly after birth, which is a great sign of good health.
A Calm and Curious Baby
The zoo team described the baby giraffe as calm and curious. During his first health checkup, he responded very well and showed a positive attitude. These are great qualities that will help with future training and interactions with caregivers.
Quiet Time for Mom and Baby
Right now, Minka and her calf are spending some private time together, bonding in a quiet indoor space. They won’t be seen by zoo visitors for now, as the zoo keeps the giraffe herd indoors during the colder months, especially when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C). This calm environment helps the baby feel safe and lets mom and calf get comfortable with each other.
Why Giraffe Births Are Special
Every giraffe birth in a zoo is a reason to celebrate. Giraffes are considered a vulnerable species in the wild, and responsible breeding in zoos helps protect their future. With careful planning and support from zookeepers, each birth adds to conservation efforts.
Quick Facts about the New Giraffe Calf:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | Monday, 1:38 a.m. |
| Height at birth | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Weight at birth | 139 pounds |
| Mother | Minka (first-time mom) |
| Father | Ja |
| Behaviour so far | Calm, curious, healthy |
| Public appearance | Not yet; staying indoors |
The zoo hasn’t yet announced a name for the little one, but fans can expect updates in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on Hogle Zoo’s official channels if you’d like to follow the calf’s journey as he grows up.
In the meantime, staff at Hogle Zoo are making sure both mom and baby are well cared for, warm, and comfortable until they are ready to step out and meet the world.
