Towering Tykes: Four Giraffe Calves Add to Tanganyika’s Baby Boom
Information courtesy of Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Photo credit courtesy: Tanganyika Wildlife Park
GODDARD, Kan. — August 13, 2025 — Tanganyika (pronounced TAN-GAN-YEEK-UH) Wildlife Park’s “baby boom” is in full swing. Just weeks after pygmy hippo Mars made global headlines with over 40 million views, the park is celebrating another set of towering arrivals: three playful giraffe calves, born within six weeks of each other.
While giraffes don’t have a fixed breeding season, resident bull, Davis, tends to synchronize breeding, making it common for multiple calves to arrive close together. This year’s “three amigos” are already delighting guests and keepers alike with their quirks, friendships, and milestone moments.
“It’s been incredible to watch so many young animals grow alongside each other this year,” said Sierra Smith, Hoofstock Supervisor. “Whether it’s Mars making waves in the pool or these calves running zoomies, they’re all helping guests connect with wildlife in new ways.”
Fast Facts
Born:
Isidora’s Calf: Idris, born June 2025 – 5’9”, 152 lbs. Goofy and energetic, honors his mother and grandmother Isis.
Kenzie’s Calf: Dwayne, born July 26, 2025 – 5’6”, 139 lbs. Small but bold, named for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for his rock-chewing habit.
Ismene’s Calf: Isibelle, born July 31, 2025 – 5’10”, 170 lbs. Biggest of the three, reserved and intelligent, with a distinctive “unicorn horn” tuft of hair.
Phoenix’s Calf: born August 17th, 2025. No name yet, but the first calf of sire Vincent.
Behavior: Idris and Dwayne are inseparable—playing, neck-hugging, and napping together—while Isibelle observes from the sidelines, still awaiting her full herd debut.
Facility Note: Tanganyika is home to one of the largest giraffe herds in the U.S.
A Herd with History
Two of the calves—Idris and Isibelle—are grandchildren of Isis, Tanganyika’s late herd matriarch, making their births a living tribute. Keepers note the calves’ personalities couldn’t be more different: Idris is all energy, Dwayne is curious to a fault, and Isibelle seems to be quietly studying her keepers as much as they study her.
Conservation in Action
Reticulated giraffes are currently listed as vulnerable, with wild populations facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Tanganyika’s breeding program helps maintain genetic diversity while giving guests a chance to connect with the species up close—Tanganyika hopes getting their guests “close enough to care” will inspire stewardship for animals and benefit the guests too. Guests say “we made core memories during our visit.”
Plan Your Visit
Guests can meet Idris, Dwayne, and (soon) Isibelle at the Giraffe Feeding Station or get closer with the giraffe herd during the Giraffe and Rhino Adventure, part of Tanganyika’s all-inclusive Best Day Bundle. These experiences are just a few of the 25+ that make Tanganyika the most interactive wildlife park in the United States.
About Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a family-owned and operated zoological facility in Goddard, Kansas, just west of Wichita. The park is home to over 400 animals representing more than 100 species, with a focus on rare and endangered wildlife. Tanganyika is recognized for its highly interactive guest experiences, and participates in multiple cooperative breeding programs, research initiatives, and public education efforts. The park is accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and certified by American Humane.
For more information, visit www.twpark.com.
