Guests to Franklin Park Zoo can now see Boston’s tallest, and biggest, baby! On July 14, Franklin Park Zoo welcomed a Masai giraffe calf, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 184 pounds. Visitors may see mom, Amari, and the new male calf outside on exhibit at the Giraffe Savannah, as long as the weather is clear and sunny.

For the first few weeks while the calf acclimates to the Giraffe Savannah, he and Amari will enjoy the space together separate from dad, Chad, the Grevy’s zebra and Somali wild asses. Because Amari and the calf are still getting used to going into the outdoor habitat, they don’t yet have a set schedule and whether they are in the outdoor habitat may vary from day to day.

Now the Zoo needs your help to name the new calf, through an online silent auction taking place from August 15 - 27. The auction opens today and is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this exciting birth by bidding on the opportunity to name him or donating in support of our giraffe family! All auction proceeds will go directly toward the care of our animals, including healthy diets, stimulating enrichment, and high-quality veterinary care. Full details can be found here.

Standing tall and majestic, the Masai giraffe is one of Africa's most iconic and beloved animals. Known for their distinctively patterned coats and towering stature, these gentle giants hold a special place in the hearts of animal lovers around the world. The birth of this calf is not only a joyous occasion for the zoo but also a significant milestone in ongoing conservation efforts.

Zoo New England has long been committed to the conservation of this iconic species. Giraffes face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss and poaching. The global population of this iconic giant has declined by 40% over the last 30 years.

Zoo New England is an active participant in the Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is a cooperative, inter-zoo program coordinated nationally through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). By sharing research and knowledge, participating institutions work together to establish guidelines that best ensure the health of captive populations, and with success, the survival of endangered species. This birth is a result of a recommended breeding between Chad, the dad, and Amari. Chad joined Franklin Park Zoo from the Santa Barbara Zoo in 2018 and Amari was born at the Franklin Park Zoo in 2016. Their first offspring, Alika, moved to her new home at another AZA-accredited zoo – the Kansas City Zoo, per a SSP recommendation in the spring.