Giraffes have a long, black, prehensile tongue that’s easily noticeable because it’s out so much as they pull leaves from treetops. The dark color comes from a pigment called melanin that reduces the risk of sunburn.
Kendi is currently the smallest member of our herd. Standing around 6 feet tall when he was born, he will grow quickly through his first year.
He is the first calf for mom Kita. Just like his mom, Kendi is curious and enjoys coming to the feeding platform.
Kita has more brown across her face than our other giraffes.
Although not born here, Kita's family lineage has connections to the Indianapolis Zoo. Her dad was born here years ago and she is Makena's cousin.
Majani is lighter in color than both of the females. His ossicones are wider apart than the other giraffes.
Majani was named for the Swahili word meaning "grass." He is the father of Makena and Kendi.
Makena has lighter caramel-colored patches. Still quite young, she is one of the smaller members of our herd.
Makena is the first female giraffe calf born at the Zoo since 2000. Majani is her dad. Kita is her cousin.
Look no further. Connect with our amazing animals and learn about the wild places they come from.
Riders will enjoy a 10-minute narrated journey and learn about our Plains animals, greenhouse, gardens, the Zoo’s
15,000-square-foot veterinary hospital, maintenance and commissary departments and other behind-the-scenes operations
necessary to run the Zoo. Available mid-March through December, riders will also learn about the Zoo’s animal conservation
mission.
The Animal Amigo program helps care for all of the animals at the Zoo by funding food, medical treatment, equipment, enrichment toys, and habitat improvement for the animals in our care. For a donation of $100 or more, you can sponsor a giraffe at the Indianapolis Zoo. You will receive a plush, collector card, certificate and recognition on the Animal Amigo donor board!
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