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The effect of increasing dietary fibre on feeding, rumination and oral stereotypies in captive giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis)

Many captive giraffes perform oral stereotypies, in particular tongue-playing, licking of objects (including conspecifics) and vacuum chewing. Typically, the diet of these large ruminants in captivity consists mostly of food concentrates, which are consumed rapidly and do not provide stimulation for their long, prehensile tongues. In the wild, browsing requires extensive use of this organ but in captivity material upon which to browse is limited. Consequently, vacuum activities, such as mock leaf-feeding behaviour, and stereotypies may develop. Rumination is also

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Giraffe Husbandry Manual

Husbandry manuals serve as a source of reference on the biology, maintenance, housing, health, behaviour, diet, breeding, restrain and transporting of animals held in captivity. They act as a major source of information for the species. The present information and experiences (both published and unpublished) together so that the knowledge of that particular species can be passed on, which in turn allows for techniques to develop rather than be reinvented resulting in the overall improvement in the husbandry of that

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Analyses of captive behaviour and enclosure use in Rothschild giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) housed at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

It has been suggested that wild herbivorous animals, like the Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), are difficult to house in captivity due to their natural wide home range and specialised diet. The aim of this study was to understand what influence the design of the giraffe enclosure at Paignton Zoo has on the activity budget of the Rothschild Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) housed in it, in relation to enclosure use and the performance of a natural behavioural repertoire. This was

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A user’s guide to animal welfare science

Here, I provide a guide for those new to the burgeoning field of animal welfare science as to what this comprehensive, relatively young discipline is all about. Drawing on all branches of biology, including behavioural ecology and neuroscience, the science of animal welfare asks three big questions: Are animals conscious? How can we assess good and bad welfare in animals? How can we use science to improve animal welfare in practice? I also provide guidelines for an evidence-based approach to

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Developing models for mother–infant behaviour in Black rhinoceros and Reticulated giraffe (Diceros bicornis michaeli and Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) at Brookfield Zoo, Illinois

For over a decade the behaviours of mothers and newborn calves of Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis michaeli and Reticulated giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata have been observed at Brookfield Zoo during the critical first few weeks post-partum. Consistent patterns were seen for individuals within species, allowing models of time budgets, including ranges of variability surrounding each behaviour, to be developed. Once the model is created any data collected for neonates can be compared to the mean values in the model so

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Giraffe fact sheet

Giraffes are one of the world’s tallest mammals. They are well known for their long necks, long legs, and spotted patterns. Giraffes have small “horns” or knobs on top of their heads that grow to be about five inches long. These knobs are used to protect the head in fights.

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Enrichment Methods used for Giraffa camelopardalis & Gazella dama mhorr at The East Midland Zoological Society: Twycross Zoo

To provide a more stimulating captive environment and to illicit species-specific behaviours, a review of the enrichment techniques used for two browsing ruminants, (the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and the Mhorr gazelle (Gazella dama mhorr), held at Twycross Zoo was undertaken. It is well known that the majority of giraffe in captivity will develop some form of abnormal behaviour (EAZA, 2006) and hence enrichment protocols are vital in keeping animals occupied and stress-free.

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Does illegal hunting skew Serengeti wildlife sex ratios?

In this article we show that the population of Serengeti Masai giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi is extremely female biased, particularly among newborns. Our results suggest that this might be a response to heavy illegal hunting and the continuous disturbance such activities cause on giraffes, as sex ratios were more female skewed in all age groups in areas with high risk of illegal hunting. Giraffes were also more vigilant and fled at longer distances in such areas. Such female skewed sex ratios have

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Behaviour and the effect of giraffe on flora

The study has taken place in Etosha National Park whereby the behaviour and effect of giraffe on the flora was considered. The population of Etosha giraffe is a about 1800, which is high in the presence of other browsers. A lot of trees are pressurized by giraffe and a lot of individual tree spp are uprooted by elephants. The giraffe move from one place to another looking for food. The animals reconnaissance the area before they approach the waterhole. Much

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