It’s a girl! Phoenix Zoo family grows with birth of baby Masai giraffe

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Zoo’s Masai giraffe family got a visit from the stork last month.

The yet-to-be-named female baby giraffe arrived on Nov. 16. Sunshine, her 12-year-old mother, has now produced five calves at the Phoenix Zoo.

The newcomer’s father is 16-year-old Miguu, who was recommended as a partner for Sunshine by the Species Survival Plan program.

Masai giraffes are the tallest land mammals on Earth, with males growing up to 19 feet. Their necks make up about one-third of their height.

Baby giraffe not on display yet at Phoenix Zoo

The new Phoenix Zoo baby is too young to join the herd, so she is staying with her mother in giraffe barn for the time being, out of the public view.

Christmas came early! 🎁

The Phoenix Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a female Masai giraffe! Sunshine (12), gave birth to the calf on November 16. The birth is the result of a Species Survival Program recommended pairing between Sunshine and Miguu (16). pic.twitter.com/njCHv7CEAZ

— Phoenix Zoo (@phoenixzoo) December 9, 2025

However, visitors can still see adult giraffes Miguu and Imara at the zoo’s Savanna habitat.

The Phoenix Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Jan. 18, when closing time moves to 5 p.m. It is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Papago Park.

In addition to the regular hours, the annual ZooLights holiday attraction runs nightly through Jan. 16.

Related

Tickets available now for return of Phoenix ZooLights, featuring new virtual reality experienceStorm activity could bring showers through the Valley Tuesday morningArizona Boardwalk breaks ground on new Hyatt Place Hotel at Talking Stick Resort27 Arizona fugitives arrested in US Marshal’s ‘Operation Adam’s Watch’ bustPark City-based fitness, retail and social space celebrates grand opening in PhoenixArizona events give residents chance to adopt trained, untrained wild burros