LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

The Louisville Zoo threw a celebration Saturday for the one-year birthday of its giraffe calf, Nyasi.

Guests could spend some time around Nyasi as zookeepers gave chats about him and fed him special birthday treats.

Those in attendance were even able to sign a birthday card for Nyasi.

Louisville Zoo

Born on Aug. 9, 2024, to parents Kianga and Baridi, Nyasi is a Masai giraffe.

As of July 2025, he weighs 990 pounds and stands at 11 feet 3 inches tall.

His name, meaning "grass" in Swahili, reflects the savanna grasslands where giraffes live.

Native to East Africa, Masai giraffes are the largest giraffe subspecies. With unique, star-shaped spots, each giraffe’s pattern is as distinctive as a fingerprint.

Masai giraffes are listed as vulnerable on the International Un

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