TORONTO, ON, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – A Masai giraffe calf has been born at Your Toronto Zoo.

The calf arrived at 1:26am on Sunday, February 22nd, and was on her feet by about 2:00am. Mother and baby were allowed to bond over the weekend, and both have been doing well.

A first health check took place Monday morning. The “little” calf measured approximately 6 foot 4 inches, or 1.95 metres. The Wildlife Health team also confirmed the calf is female.

“This endangered Masai giraffe calf is an incredible addition to your Toronto Zoo” says Dolf DeJong, CEO, Your Toronto Zoo. “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, raising the profile of endangered Masai giraffes and inspiring our community to learn more and stand with us as Guardians of Wild.”

Your Toronto Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums AZA Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan SSP, a cooperative breeding program among accredited zoos. Breeding introductions were closely monitored up to November 4, 2024. In January 2025, the Reproductive Science team analysed several months of fecal samples for pregnancy hormone levels and confirmed Mstari was showing normal hormonal signs of pregnancy.

The birth also comes as the zoo honours Kiko, the calf’s father, who unexpectedly passed away last month. The zoo stated that while his absence is still felt, his legacy continues.

In December 2018, the International Union for Conservation and Nature elevated the conservation status of Masai giraffes to Endangered. Fewer than 35,000 remain in the wild, following a decline of more than 50 percent over the past 30 years. Illegal hunting and habitat loss are identified as the main threats. The zoo continues to support field conservation efforts through the Wild Nature Institute’s Masai Giraffe Project.

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