Baby giraffe born at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens on April 16, 2023

In the last 30 years, the giraffe population in Africa has declined by more than 40% to approximately 100,000 animals.

The City of El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens is thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy male giraffe to our Zoo family.

This marks the first time that a giraffe has been born at the El Paso Zoo in the City’s history. Staff worked closely with the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. Mom, Gigi, was closely monitored throughout the entire pregnancy, which lasted around 15 months and delivered the baby boy on Wednesday, April 19, at about 9 p.m. in the Zoo’s hoof stock barn with dad, Juma, watching the entire time.

In preparation for the arrival of the baby, Zoo staff worked tirelessly to prepare the area for mom and baby. The entire giraffe barn has been “baby-proofed” including adding extra padding to the floor and to any area where the baby might hurt himself.

Zoo staff give baby a medical checkup.

“In the last 30 years, the giraffe population in Africa has declined by more than 40% to approximately 100,000 animals. Giraffes are now extinct in seven African countries and all giraffe species are critically endangered,” said El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano. “This birth is significant not only for the El Paso Zoo but also for the overall giraffe population. Mom and baby appear to be doing great and the zoo couldn’t be more excited! It is not every day you have a 6-foot, 110-pound baby born.”

Herd of Angolan giraffe in northwest Namibia © GCF

Giraffes first arrived at the Zoo when the new Africa exhibit opened in 2010. Like all of the animals at the Zoo they are ambassadors for conservation of their species in the wild. Currently the Zoo is supporting the work of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation

The zoo will be suspending the popular giraffe feeding encounters until the giraffe family settles in. The giraffe family, including the baby, will be on display as soon as the family is comfortable with the barn and each other, and the outside world.

Photos courtesy El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Giraffe Conservation Foundation