A long-legged announcement: Utah’s Hogle Zoo welcomes a baby giraffe
Giraffe Minka gives birth to a healthy male calf on January 26
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is head-over-hooves to announce the birth of a male giraffe calf, born to mom Minka (8) and dad Ja (5). The smallest of the tallest arrived on January 26, 2026, at 1:38 a.m., weighing 139lbs and standing 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Giraffe calves make a big entrance into the world, arriving head and hooves first and experiencing a drop of nearly six feet at birth. In preparation for the birth, our team created a soft-landing area to support the calf’s natural six-foot drop into the world.
The calf was born in the African Savanna barn, where Animal Care staff monitored the natural birth process. Thanks to a trusting relationship with Minka and having staff nearby, the team was able to provide assistance as the calf found his footing. Once steady, he began walking on his own.
After finding his footing, the calf soon began bonding with Minka, nursing, and exploring his surroundings. He has shown a calm, curious demeanor and responded well during his first health checkup and routine care, qualities that will support future training.
A first-time mom and an experienced herd
First-time mom Minka has taken confidently to motherhood, remaining attentive and responsive to her calf. She stays close, allowing him to nurse regularly and keeping a watchful eye as he explores. The calf’s father, Ja, along with other members of the herd, has been very curious, greeting the calf with gentle “smooches” from over the fence.
Minka and her calf will not be visible to guests for now, as they’re being given time to bond and adjust in a quiet, comfortable environment while the animal care and health teams continue to closely monitor and support the calf. The giraffe herd stays indoors during cooler months when temperatures are below 50 degrees, enjoying the warm African Savanna barn.
The birth of this calf marks an important step in protecting giraffes, a vulnerable species facing habitat loss, human population growth, and poaching. Found in Africa’s savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands, giraffes form loose, ever-shifting herds of 2 to 70 individuals. In 2016, their conservation status showed severe population declines, with about 117,000 remaining in their natural habitat. Hogle Zoo supports Save Giraffes Now, an organization dedicated to protecting giraffes by combating poaching and reducing human-giraffe conflict across Africa.
Stay tuned for more updates as the calf continues to reach new heights!
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