Santa Barbara Zoo Baby Giraffe Named After Dreier Family Member

The Santa Barbara Zoo named its newest giraffe Chad.

He’s a Masai giraffe and was named after a zoo supporter.

Santa Barbara Zoo Director Nancy McToldridge says, “the Dreier Family has been long-time supporters of the Santa Barbara Zoo with especially our animal program and our conservation programs so it’s important effort that it takes to bring these wonderful rare disappearing giraffes into the world.”

The Dreier Family has sponsored 7 giraffes at the zoo including Chad’s parents, Michael and Audrey. Michael is considered the most genetically valuable male Masai giraffe in captivity.

Chad was born on March 26. He weighed 191 pounds and was 6 foot 6 at the time of his birth.

Chad and his mother Audrey are bonding away from public viewing.

There are currently 120 Masai giraffes in the country. Michael has an offspring count of five including Chad.