Celebrating Kendi’s First Birthday
One year ago, the Greenville Zoo welcomed a very special arrival.
On June 7, 2025, Kendi, a Masai giraffe calf, was born to parents Autumn and Miles, becoming the newest member of the Zoo's giraffe herd. Standing an impressive 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing 132 pounds at birth, Kendi captured the hearts of our community from day one.
In a truly unforgettable moment, 1.2 million viewers from around the world tuned in live to the Greenville Zoo Foundation’s Giraffe Cam to witness Kendi’s birth, making it a global celebration of new life and conservation.
Over the past year, guests have watched him grow from a curious newborn into an energetic young giraffe exploring his habitat alongside his parents. Whether visiting the Zoo in person or tuning in through the Greenville Zoo Foundation's Giraffe Cam, supporters near and far have followed Kendi's journey and celebrated each milestone along the way.
Kendi's birth represents more than an exciting addition to the herd. As a Masai giraffe, he is part of a coordinated conservation effort through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan (SSP). This program helps maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered species in accredited zoos, ensuring their long-term sustainability and supporting broader conservation goals.
His parents, Autumn and Miles, have played an important role in that effort. Autumn, born in 2006, and Miles, who arrived at the Greenville Zoo in 2016, were carefully paired through the SSP. Kendi's birth is a meaningful contribution to the future of his species and a reminder of the important role accredited zoos play in wildlife conservation.
As we celebrate Kendi's first birthday, we are grateful for the community of supporters who help make moments like these possible. Through your generosity, the Greenville Zoo can continue providing exceptional animal care, engaging educational experiences, and meaningful conservation efforts that connect people to wildlife.
Happy Birthday, Kendi! We can't wait to see what your second year has in store.
Want to follow Kendi's adventures? Visit the Greenville Zoo Foundation's Giraffe Cam to watch Kendi, Autumn, and Miles live from anywhere in the world.
