Tulsa Zoo is proud to share the name of the new female giraffe calf is Mi-Na (pronounced Mee-Nah). The name was selected by The Osage Nation, written in the Dhegiha Siouan language, meaning first daughter.

Mi-Na was born on July 26, 2023 to mother, Zoe, and father, Hekaya, through Tulsa Zoo’s ongoing participation in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Giraffe Species Survival Plan®. She is the first daughter born to both animals.

“Mi-Na is healthy and confident,” said Tulsa Zoo Zoological Manager for Elephants and Hoofstock Jessica Scallan. “She now weighs 215 pounds and is a little more than seven feet tall.”

Mi-Na has reached many milestones including eating browse and greens, meeting the rest of the giraffe herd at Tulsa Zoo and exploring all of the spaces in the giraffe barn, including the chute. This has allowed staff to complete weekly voluntary weight sessions.

Mi-Na is often visible in the main or reserve yards and the Osage Casino and Hotel Giraffe Barn.