SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JUNE 30, 2025 - San Antonio Zoo is reaching new heights with the arrival of its newest resident, Kicheko. Kicheko, whose name means “laughter” in Swahili, is a 14-month-old male giraffe joining fellow herd members Waffles and Brayden at the Naylor Savanna habitat.
Kicheko, who has an inquisitive and calm demeanor, was born on April 1, 2024 (April Fool’s Day) at Dallas Zoo, providing the perfect backdrop for the meaning of his name. His arrival is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan®, a coordinated effort among accredited zoos to ensure the long-term survival of threatened and endangered species through careful population management and conservation breeding.
Kicheko’s arrival marks the next chapter in our new giraffe breeding program plans,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “He is a beautiful giraffe with very unique spots and is already enjoying his time with Brayden and Waffles exploring the Naylor Savanna.”
Kicheko and Waffles have joined Brayden at the Giraffe Feeding Experience.
Guests can support giraffe conservation efforts by participating in the Giraffe Feeding Experience and staying at Spekboom Lodge, an extraordinary overnight experience located within the Naylor Savanna. Spekboom Lodge is perfect for families or small groups of four, and offers exclusive zoo access, engaging animal encounters, plus so much more! The zoo also offers Conserfari Tours, where guests board a safari vehicle and ride into the Naylor Savanna to feed giraffes from the truck!
For more information about San Antonio Zoo, giraffe conservation efforts, and summer programming, please visit www.sazoo.org
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ABOUT SAN ANTONIO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park.
Website www.sazoo.org
ABOUT SAN ANTONIO ZOO
San Antonio Zoo, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo's mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane.
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