A Comparison of Husbandry, Feed Intake and Cause of Death of Captive Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the United Kingdom
Giraffe are known to be subject to many behavioural abnormalities in captivity that are linked with inferior nutrition and a lack of stimulus to travel and browse (Baxter & Plowman, 2001). A combination of hay with compounded feeds does not adequately replicate the wild diet (Baxter & Plowman, 2001). As a consequence of a substandard […]
Surgical castration of subadult giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Surgical castration of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) has not been commonly performed. Large domestic animal castration has a significant complication rate that includes postoperative mortality. Documentation of castration techniques and complications in large domestic animals occurs regularly. However, literature describing castration experiences with large zoo mammals is spares. In addition, a suitable anesthetic regimen for surgical […]
Do you have friends in high places? Social attachment in captive giraffe
As part of an on-going study, using the giraffe herd at Marwell Wildlife, measurement and assessment of partner-preference and social interaction between male and female giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) has been undertaken across a three year period. The idea behind this study hopes to provide evidence for the ‘importance’ of social bonding to a captive mammal […]
Developments to the Nutrition of Captive Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
The correct feeding of captive giraffe appears to be particularly problematic and traditionally, they have been termed as one of the most difficult ruminants to cater for (nutritionally) in the zoo. Recent research has demonstrated that some of the prevailing arguments underpinning dietary formulation to be incorrect. The most notable of these being the apparent […]
Advances in Giraffe Care: Trained Medical Behaviors
Traditionally, giraffe in human care have been considered to be challenging patients, partly due to their tall stature, unique anatomy, and neophobic nature. However, zookeepers and veterinary staff at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are challenging these assumptions by incorporating operant conditioning methods for medical behaviors. By using positive reinforcement procedures to shape medical behaviors, we are […]
Operation Twiga: Zoos supporting Rothschild’s giraffe conservation
Giraffe are one of the iconic megavertebrates of Africa but have not been seen as a conservation priority until recently. In December 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified giraffe from a species of Least Concern to one that is Vulnerable to extinction. Population surveys indicate that giraffe are suffering a silent […]
Giraffe Plasma Bank: Protocol 2018
The goal is to reduce neonate mortalities in giraffe under human care by making fresh frozen plasma more widely available to calves with failure of passive transfer. Plasma collection via operant conditioning is ideal due to no anaesthetic agents within the plasma being collected, and highlights the importance of trained blood collection behaviors. This document […]
Spinal cord injury during recovery from anaesthesia in a giraffe
ANAESTHESIA of giraffes carries particular risks of morbidity and mortality as a result of the physical characteristics of a large, longlegged, long-necked animal with a heavy head; death is reported in approximately one in 10 cases (Benbow and Lyon 2001, Bush and others 2002, Flach and others 2002). Mortality may relate to physical damage or […]
Listeriosis in Angolan giraffes
An overview of two cases of listeriosis in Angolan giraffes from the Baltimore zoo in 1983.
Behavioral sleep in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in a zoological garden
Behavioral sleep was assessed for 152 nights in 5 adult, 2 immature, and 1 juvenile giraffes at a zoological garden, using continuous time-lapse video recording. Sleep occurred while the giraffes were standing (SS) and in recumbency (RS). Paradoxical sleep (PS) was recognized by the peculiar positioning of the head on the croup and by phasic […]