6-foot Giraffe Calf Born at Reid Park Zoo

The newborn male giraffe weighed 180 pounds at birth.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, announced the birth of a healthy male reticulated giraffe calf. The calf, named Penny, was born to the zoo's adult female giraffe Penelope and weighed 180 pounds at birth. The new calf is the second offspring for Penelope and the zoo's male giraffe Jasiri, who are part of the Giraffe Species Survival Plan.

Why it matters

The birth of this giraffe calf is an important contribution to conservation efforts for the endangered reticulated giraffe species. As participants in the Giraffe Species Survival Plan and supporters of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the birth helps the zoo's efforts to protect these animals both in Tucson and in the wild.

The details

The new calf was born on Monday at 4:10 pm and was standing and nursing within an hour of its birth. The calf's coat pattern borrows traits from both parents, with Jasiri-like markings and lighter centers reminiscent of Penelope. In addition to the new calf, the zoo's giraffe tower is home to adult female Msituni and other members of the reticulated giraffe group.

  • The new calf was born on Monday, February 24, 2026 at 4:10 pm.
  • The calf was standing and nursing within an hour of its birth.

The players

Penelope

An adult female reticulated giraffe at Reid Park Zoo and the mother of the new calf.

Jasiri

The male reticulated giraffe at Reid Park Zoo and the father of the new calf.

Adam Ramsey

The Director of Animal Care at Reid Park Zoo.

Msituni

An adult female reticulated giraffe and another resident of the Reid Park Zoo giraffe tower.

Moyo

The first offspring of Penelope and Jasiri, who was moved to another zoo in 2025 as part of conservation recommendations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The new calf was born at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, was standing a little over an hour after his birth and nursing shortly after that. That is exactly where we wanted him to be.”

— Adam Ramsey, Director of Animal Care (kgun9.com)

What’s next

The zoo plans to provide updates and photos on its social media as the new calf grows.

The takeaway

The birth of this giraffe calf is an important contribution to conservation efforts for the endangered reticulated giraffe species, and highlights the important role that zoos like Reid Park play in protecting these animals both locally and globally.