05 Nov Roosevelt Park Zoo’s Giraffe Family Grows with Exciting New Arrival!
Minot, ND— The Roosevelt Park Zoo is head over hooves with excitement to announce the arrival of a brand-new baby giraffe! Born at 10pm on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, inside the zoo’s state-of-the-art Giraffe Barn, this long-legged bundle of joy weighed in at a healthy 145 pounds and is already turning heads with his wobbly charm.
Proud parents Kianga (25) and Kioni (4) are doing wonderfully, and the little calf—who hasn’t been named yet—is already stealing hearts and stretching his neck toward the spotlight. His birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a program dedicated to ensuring the future of vulnerable species through thoughtful breeding and conservation efforts. This marks Kianga’s 11th calf to be born at the Roosevelt Park Zoo but is Kioni’s first.
“Strong animal welfare practices create the foundation for new life — when animals feel safe, healthy, and cared for, they thrive, and new generations can begin in comfort and security” said Chelsea Mihalick, Zoo Curator.
“This calf’s arrival is a perfect example of what happens when exceptional care and conservation come together,” said Dr. Logan Wood, Zoo Director. Giraffes are going through a silent extinction. Currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with populations declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Fewer than 117,000 remain in the wild, making every new calf a reason to celebrate—and to continue vital conservation work.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome this calf to our Roosevelt Park Zoo family. Our giraffe family has always been a favorite among guests,” said Wood. “Thanks to the generous donation of an anonymous donor, visitors can watch the newest addition to our zoo grow and play all year long in the new African Plains Building!”
At birth, giraffe calves are already 6 feet tall (taller than most zookeepers!) and can grow up to three centimeters per day in their first week. They’re even born with tiny “ossicones”—the soft, cartilaginous nubs on their heads that later harden into the giraffe’s signature horns.
For now, Kianga and her calf are spending quality bonding time inside the Giraffe Building, guests will soon be able to meet the dynamic duo up close in the African Plains Building.
The Roosevelt Park Zoo is open daily from 10a.m. to 3p.m., with giraffe feedings available daily at 2pm. Its $5 to participate, animal dependent, and all proceeds go towards helping save giraffes and other endangered species through the many Roosevelt Park Zoo’s conservation programs.
Stay connected with your favorite zoo crew on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Want to go wild all year long? Become a Zoo Member for free admission, special perks, and the warm fuzzy feeling of helping animals like our new giraffe thrive both here and around the world. Join or renew today at https://rooseveltparkzoo.com/membership/!
For more information, please call the Roosevelt Park Zoo at (701)857-4166.
Logan Wood, DVM CWR CPEV
Zoo Director
Roosevelt Park Zoo
(701)857-4166
loganw@minotparks.com