Birmingham Zoo Welcomed New Male Giraffe
A one-year-old giraffe named Onduli has arrived at the Birmingham Zoo from the Dallas Zoo to join the current herd.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Birmingham Zoo has added a one-year-old male giraffe named Onduli to its collection. The young giraffe arrived from the Dallas Zoo to join the zoo's three resident female giraffes in the Trails of Africa exhibit.
Why it matters
The transfer was organized through the Species Survival Plan, a program managed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to maintain healthy, genetically diverse animal populations in accredited facilities.
Onduli, born September 24, 2025, joins three resident giraffes aged 16, 7, and 2. The acquisition is part of an established conservation effort for the species.
The players
Birmingham Zoo
An accredited zoological facility in Alabama that focuses on conservation and education through its various animal exhibits.
Dallas Zoo
A major zoological park that participates in national breeding and population management programs for endangered species.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
The professional organization that sets the standards for animal welfare and conservation management in North American zoos.
The details
Onduli moved to Alabama to integrate with the existing herd in the Trails of Africa habitat. His name means giraffe in the Oshiwambo language, and he was born to parents named Katie and Tebogo during his time at the Dallas Zoo.
Timeline
Onduli was born at the Dallas Zoo on September 24, 2025.
The giraffe arrived at the Birmingham Zoo in October 2026.
Culture Shift
Modern zoological management has shifted from simple displays to complex, collaborative population conservation programs. This transfer follows the framework established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' Species Survival Plan to ensure demographic stability.
Visitors to the Birmingham Zoo can now view the new addition alongside the three existing female giraffes in the Trails of Africa exhibit. The arrival provides residents with a new opportunity to observe giraffe social dynamics and learn about conservation efforts.
The takeaway
The addition of Onduli illustrates how zoos work together to ensure the longevity of species through carefully managed population exchanges. Visitors can help support these efforts by participating in educational programs at their local accredited zoo.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation initiatives in our Wildlife section.
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Do you believe zoos in your area provide meaningful conservation benefits for wildlife?
