Welcome Baby Giraffe Kendi!

Big (& Tall) news…we have welcomed a baby giraffe to the Oakland Zoo family. Please say hello to Kendi!
On October 19, Kijiji giraffe gave birth to her first calf, Kendi (“loved one” in Swahili.) This amazing little female is approximately 150 lbs and 6.5 feet tall.
Kijiji has already demonstrated her loving and protective nature by guiding her baby into the giraffe barn. A separate area has been set up by Keepers in the barn for the Kendi and mama giraffe to bond peacefully.
Kendi is expected to remain behind the scenes with the mom for approximately two weeks for mama & calf to develop their relationship.
“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, Zoological Manager
Kijiji and Kendi will serve as ambassadors, educating guests about their wild giraffe counterparts. By having giraffes at the Zoo, we hope to bring appreciation and awareness to the giraffe species, including the challenges they face in the wild. Oakland Zoo partners with The Reticulated Giraffe Project in Kenya, a conservation organization dedicated to working with local communities in Africa to help reduce human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss to preserve endangered wild giraffe populations.
We’ll be sure to let you know how Kendi is doing, and when you can come see them in person. We’re also excited to share that once Kendi makes her public debut on habitat with her mother, we will have a live streaming GiraffeCam for guests and followers!
Welcome to the world, little one! 🦒 ❤️

[@zacharybriddell98]

Congratulations 🎉Oakland Zoo!

[@LittleLulubee]

Welcome to the world, Kendi!! Have a great life 🎉❤ LOVE YOU ❤🥰❤

[@zacharybriddell98]

Kendi looks super 😊Cute and Adorable ❤!

[@zacharybriddell98]

Is she starting to become super adventurous or does she love to stay close to her Mom!

[@zacharybriddell98]

Will there be any Young Giraffes for Kendi to play with once she and Mom are going to be introduced to the rest of the herd?

[@OaklandZooCA]

Not currently.

[@zacharybriddell98]

Is this your first Giraffe Birth?

[@OaklandZooCA]

Not our first, but our first in a while.