The Phoenix Zoo has a new star — a baby Masai giraffe named Kasi, meaning “speed” in Swahili. The lively calf, born on Nov. 16, earned her name through a public online poll that drew over 11,000 votes. Kasi outpaced the competition by a wide margin, winning nearly 30% of the total vote, according to zoo officials.
The community had five names to choose from — Cyra (“sun”), Tesni (“warmth from the sun”), Binti (“daughter”), Kasi(“speed”), and Ray (as in a ray of sunshine). In the end, it seems “speed” was the perfect fit for the energetic newcomer.
Kasi was born to 12-year-old Sunshine and 16-year-old Miguu, a pairing made through the Species Survival Program, which supports genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species. Sunshine is a proud mother of five, but according to zookeepers, Kasi’s personality already stands out — she’s “quick on her hooves” and full of playful energy.
For now, Kasi and her mother are spending time behind the scenes in the giraffe barn, bonding and growing stronger. Visitors can expect to see her debut in the zoo’s Savanna habitat sometime in January, once she’s ready to explore her new home.
The Phoenix Zoo, located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Papago Park, remains open daily, and its annual ZooLights celebration continues nightly through Jan. 16. More details about the event and the zoo’s newest addition can be found on the Phoenix Zoo’s website.
