Nocturnal “humming” vocalizations: adding a piece to the puzzle of giraffe vocal communication
Background: Recent research reveals that giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis sp.) exhibit a socially structured, fission– fusion system. In other species possessing this kind of society, information exchange is important and vocal communication is usually well developed. But is this true for giraffes? Giraffes are known to produce sounds, but there is no evidence that they use […]
Successful management of acute-onset torticollis in a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)
A 2-yr-old male reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) presented with severe midcervical segmental torticollis upon arrival as an incoming shipment. Despite initial medical management, the giraffe developed marked neck sensitivity, focal muscle spasms, and decreased cervical range of motion. Using operant conditioning to assist patient positioning and tolerance to cervical manipulation, a series of manually […]
Serum chemistry comparisons between captive and free-ranging giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Serum chemistry analyses were compared between captive and free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in an attempt to better understand some of the medical issues seen with captive giraffes. Illnesses, including peracute mortality, energy malnutrition, pancreatic disease, urolithiasis, hoof disease, and severe intestinal parasitism, may be related to zoo nutrition and management issues. Serum samples were collected […]
Regional variation of the manifestation, prevalence, and severity of giraffe skin disease: A review of an emerging disease in wild and captive giraffe populations
Large mammals have drastically declined in the past few decades yet we know little about their ecology. Giraffe numbers for instance, have dropped by more than 40% in the last 15 years and recently, a skin disease, has been observed in numerous giraffe populations across Africa. The disease(s), commonly referred to as giraffe skin disease […]
Dental disease and a left displacement of the abomasum in a Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulate): Lessons learned
A brief overview of a giraffe bull that presented with acute colic, developed metabolic acidosis and pre-renal azotemia. He was later humanely euthanized due to lack of response to treatment and upon necropsy was discovered to have dental disease and a left displaced abomasum.
New Thoughts on Peracute Mortality in Giraffe
Peracute mortality syndrome, or giraffe wasting disease, has been a leading cause of mortality in giraffe since the 1970s. It generally presents as acute death without premonitory signs. It is characterized by serous atrophy of adipose tissue and weight loss. Other lesions are non specific. Several articles have been published suggesting a potential nutritional component.
Dental Disease and Serous Atrophy of Fat Syndrome in Captive Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)
A condition characterized by serous atrophy of fat (SAF) has been reported as leading to peracute mortality in a number of giraffes at several institutions during the last 3 decades. These mortalities were originally attributed to insufficient protein and high fiber diets but were also associated with stress, other nutritional imbalances, and infectious and toxic […]
Failure of Passive Transfer and Leukopenia in five Reticulated giraffe calves (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)
An abstract on the diagnosis and treatment of five giraffe calves that each had failure of passive transfer.
Insufficient Colostrum Ingestion is a Risk Factor for Polyarthritis and/or Phlegmon in Hand-Reared Reticulated Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata): 7 Cases (2003–2012)
Seven reticulated giraffes were hand-reared at Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, because the dam had agalactia. Six of the 7 calves exhibited polyarthritis and/or phlegmon in the lower legs. However, the cause of the disorder was unclear. The present study reviewed the clinical records of the 7 giraffes, including the type and amount of colostrum ingested during […]
Hand-rearing Rothschild or Baringo giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi calves at Bioparc Valencia, Spain, and Leipzig Zoo, Germany
Hand-rearing giraffe calves is a challenging, time-consuming and labour-intensive process. There appears to be high individual variability among different calves. Different feeding schedules and milk substitutes have been used and are discussed. The use of whole cow’s milk is recommended and can be mixed with different supplements or calf milk replacers. The authors recommend weaning […]