Submitted Photo Roosevelt Park Zoo’s giraffe baby was born Sunday, Nov. 2, to parents Kianga and Kioni.

Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot has a new addition to its giraffe family with the birth on Sunday, Nov. 2, of a healthy, 145-pound male calf.

According to zoo information, the giraffe calf was born at 10 p.m. inside the zoo’s state-of-the-art Giraffe Barn.

The long-legged baby giraffe, who hasn’t been named yet, was born to parents Kianga, 25, and Kioni, 4.

His birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program dedicated to ensuring the future of vulnerable species through thoughtful breeding and conservation efforts.

This marks mother Kianga’s 11th calf to be born at the zoo, but is father Kioni’s first calf.

“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,” Chelsea Mihalick, zoo curator, said.

“This calf’s arrival is a perfect example of what happens when exceptional care and conservation come together,” Dr. Logan Wood, zoo director, said.

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, according to zoo information.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome this calf to our Roosevelt Park Zoo family. Our giraffe family has always been a favorite among guests,” Wood said. “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 duo up close in the African Plains Building.