Oakland Zoo Welcomes New Baby Giraffe

OAKLAND, CA — The Oakland Zoo is celebrating the newest addition to the giraffe herd, a female calf, the first born at the zoo in 11 years.

Mother Kijiji gave birth to the calf named Kendi, after what the zoo called a "very long pregnancy," Friday Oct. 20, according to a news release announcing the new giraffe's arrival.

"Giraffes have a gestation period of 14-16 months," the zoo said.

Kendi, which means ‘loved one' in Swahili, the language spoken in Kenya, where reticulate giraffes are found in the wild, is approximately 150 lbs. and is 6.5 feet tall.

"Kijiji has already exhibited her loving and protective nature by guiding Kendi into the giraffe barn," the zoo said. "A separate area has been set up by Keepers in the barn for the calf and mother giraffe to bond peacefully. Kendi is already standing and walking around the giraffe barn and has successfully nursed from its mother."

The pair is expected to remain behind the scenes for approximately two weeks to allow them time to develop their relationship, the zoo said.

"We’re so excited to have a new baby join the herd. With the expertise of our staff, we’re prepared to assist Kijiji as she enters this stage in life as a new mother," Amy Phelps, Assistant Zoological Manager at Oakland Zoo said.

Giraffes are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

"The wide range of reticulated giraffes once enjoyed is quickly disappearing due to habitat loss, population growth, urban development, agriculture, and mining," the news release said. "They are also victims of the illegal wildlife trade– a lucrative business that involves capturing, transporting, and selling hundreds of millions of plants and animals on the black market."

According to the zoo, Kijiji and Kendi will serve as ambassadors, educating guests about their wild giraffe counterparts.

"By having giraffes at the Zoo, the hope is to bring appreciation and awareness to the giraffe species, including the challenges they face in the wild," the Oakland Zoo, which partners with the Reticulated Giraffe Project in Kenya,said.

"Once Kendi makes her public debut on habitat with its mother, the Zoo will have a live stream for guests and followers to tune in to everything going on with the herd. To follow the calf’s journey on live cam, click here.