San Diego Zoo Welcomes New Masai Giraffe Calf, Boosting Endangered Species’ Hope
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The San Diego Zoo announced on December 9, 2025, the birth of a Masai giraffe calf to Mawe, a first-time mother who was herself born at the zoo years earlier. The calf, born on November 30, represents a significant milestone in the zoo’s ongoing efforts to support the conservation of this endangered species. Both Mawe and the calf’s father, Chifu, were born at the facility, underscoring the zoo’s success in breeding and maintaining a genetically diverse Masai giraffe population.
Masai giraffes, native to East Africa, are currently classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The San Diego Zoo’s announcement highlights the importance of captive breeding programs in helping to sustain the species’ numbers and genetic health.
“These births help support the genetic diversity of Masai giraffes and ensure their global population remains strong and healthy,” the zoo stated. The newborn and Mawe are currently bonding in the maternity area of the giraffe habitat located within the zoo’s Urban Jungle section, where visitors can observe the gentle interactions between mother and calf.
This recent birth follows another successful arrival earlier this year in July, when the zoo welcomed a giraffe calf named Lemayian. Together, these births contribute to the broader conservation goals championed by institutions like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which has long been involved in species preservation efforts.
The zoo’s breeding program aligns with guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which promotes cooperative breeding and genetic management to maintain healthy captive populations. By pairing giraffes born at the zoo, the program helps minimize inbreeding and maximizes genetic diversity, a critical factor for the species’ long-term survival.
Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can witness the new calf’s early development and learn about the challenges Masai giraffes face in the wild. The zoo’s educational outreach complements conservation efforts by raising public awareness about the plight of endangered species and the role humans play in their survival.
For more information on endangered species and conservation initiatives, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides extensive resources on protection efforts and how the public can contribute.
As Mawe and her calf continue to thrive, the San Diego Zoo reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and inspiring global action to protect vulnerable wildlife.
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