Adorable endangered baby giraffe is born at Toronto Zoo
Published March 4, 2026 at 11:02 am
An endangered baby giraffe that’s stealing hearts is the latest new baby that has been welcomed by the Toronto Zoo.
Late February brought an end to a mother giraffe’s 15 month long pregnancy when a new Masai giraffe calf was born at the Toronto Zoo.
The calf was born early on a Sunday morning around 1:26 a.m. on Feb. 22, and the little calf was already standing up about a half an hour later, by about 2 a.m.
The mother and calf spent the rest of their Sunday bonding together.
The brand new baby Masai giraffe calf received its first health check the next day, and it was confirmed that the baby giraffe is healthy and female. While she’s still a little baby by giraffe standards, the newborn already measured six feet, four inches tall, or 1.95 metres on its first day at the Toronto Zoo.
“Breeding introductions were carefully observed up to Nov. 4, 2024, and in January 2025, our reproductive science team analyzed several months of fecal samples for pregnancy hormone levels and confirmed that Mstari was showing normal hormonal signs of being pregnant,” the Toronto Zoo said.
“We are overjoyed to share the heartwarming news of this special arrival, and it carries even deeper meaning as we honour Kiko, the calf’s father, who unexpectedly passed away last month. While we continue to feel his absence, his legacy lives on.”
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Masai giraffes were declared endangered several years ago, and the Toronto Zoo is part of a breeding program for accredited zoos.
“Watch for baby and mom updates to be shared on our social media, including when you will have an opportunity to meet this tallest bundle of joy,” the zoo said.
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Masai giraffe populations in the wild are down a staggering 50 per cent over the past 30 years. The Toronto Zoo said that illegal hunting and habitat loss are the primary threats to these majestic animals. The zoo said it supports field conservation efforts through the Wild Nature Institute’s Masai Giraffe Project.
“This endangered Masai giraffe calf is an incredible addition to your Toronto Zoo,” said the zoo’s CEO Dolf DeJong.
“We announced Mstari’s pregnancy on Mother’s Day last year and after a 15-month pregnancy, we are thrilled to have a healthy calf in our care.”
Stay tuned for news on when the baby giraffe will be available for viewing at the Toronto Zoo.