To commemorate World Giraffe Day, the National Zoological Garden recently welcomed a newborn baby giraffe.

World Giraffe Day, initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), is a day to honour the world’s tallest land animal on the longest day of the year, June 21.

Pretoria zoo’s giraffe family

The zoo is home to five giraffes, each with a unique personality and story.

Among the giraffes is Momo, an 11-year-old matriarch known for her calm and independent nature and on June 8, she gave birth to a healthy calf.

“Our team has decided to name the new calf Enzo, meaning ‘ruler of the estate’,” says Carol Thobela, the curator of carnivores, pachyderms and farmyard.

“It’s a strong, bold name that suits the energy we have seen already. Even though we don’t yet know if Enzo is male or female, the name reflects the confidence and spirit of this little one.”

Other members of the herd include Tiago, born in 2020, Azuri, born in 2022, and Bonito, who is nine years old.

“According to new genetic classifications, the giraffes are assumed to belong to the South African giraffe subspecies (G.g. giraffa), though genetic testing has not yet been conducted to confirm this,” says Tracy Rehse, Director of Animal Conservation.

“Understanding subspecies helps us align our animal management practices with conservation science and ensures we’re contributing meaningful data to global conservation efforts.”

Team of specialists, donations by community keeps giraffes happy

To keep the giraffes healthy and happy, the zoo follows a detailed enclosure management plan and a diet created by a specialist team.

Their food is offered using elevated feeders to mimic tree-top grazing, while night shelters and a surrounding wet moat provide security and comfort, taking into account the giraffe’s natural reluctance to cross water.

The zoo also benefits from generous browse donations by the Tshwane metro and local communities, ensuring the animals receive a varied and natural diet.

Beyond care and education, the zoo also contributes to long-term conservation by collecting and storing genetic material from giraffes and other wildlife as part of South Africa’s national genetic repository.

Giraffes increasingly threatened

Meanwhile, Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre manages a free-roaming group of 15 giraffes on the game reserve, offering a view into how these animals behave in their natural habitat.

World Giraffe Day is not just about admiring Africa’s gentle giants. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and support for the conservation of giraffes, which are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and deteriorating ecological infrastructure.

While promoting animal welfare and public education, the zoo also plays an important role in national conservation efforts.

Although giraffes are locally classified as “Least Concern”, the species is globally listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, with some subspecies facing a higher risk of extinction.

“As we mark World Giraffe Day, SANBI celebrates not only these incredible animals but also the role they play in healthy ecosystems. We invite all South Africans to visit the zoo and join us in learning more about giraffes and the importance of protecting them for future generations,” says Nontsikelelo Mpulo, marketing director at SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute).