A Better SPOT for Giraffes

The Current Challenges

The layout of the current giraffe habitat and behind-the-scenes barn severely limits the number of days the animals can enjoy the large outdoor savanna habitat and be seen by guests. The savanna and the giraffe barn are separated by a quarter of a mile, and it is not a quick process for the herd to navigate the corridor between them. This means viewing the giraffes is highly dependent on weather conditions as we must take the forecast into account and how long it may take to move the herd. Our knowledge of animal wellbeing and guest satisfaction has greatly increased since the Africa section of the Zoo opened 30 years ago, so we are ready to make changes that will serve the Zoo well for many decades to come!

Better for our Guests

This new project will not only provide Zoo guests the opportunity to see giraffes every day, they will also be able to interact with them through feeding stations both inside the barn and outside on the African savanna. A large indoor giraffe habitat directly attached to the outdoor yards means weather will no longer be a barrier to seeing the animals year-round. New restrooms will be ADA-accessible and include a universal changing table, plus a mother’s room and toddler seats. A new concessions area will address another guest need in the Africa section of the Zoo near the mid-point of the pathway loop.

Better for the Giraffes

Eliminating the long walk between their barn and the African savanna means the giraffes will be better able to choose where they want to spend their time, whether that is inside or outside. Natural substrate and increased space inside the building and additional shade structures outside will ensure the giraffes are comfortable in both environments. The animal care team will also have easier ways to feed the giraffes and to provide them with the critical enrichment that keeps their bodies and minds healthy.

Conservation & Education Efforts

Did you know that there are four times as many elephants in Africa as giraffes? The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is proud to be working to help save the Masai giraffe, listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and at a very high risk of extinction in its native range. Over the past 30 years, the Masai giraffe population has declined by about 50% due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is partnering with Save Giraffes Now on a unique project in Kenya to study the movements of giraffe herds in relation to wildlife underpass structures. These underpasses offer giraffes a more natural corridor under busy roads, enhancing habitat usage and preventing life-threatening accidents. A staff member from the Zoo traveled to Kenya to help with installation of the cameras and data collection.

Since 2017, the Zoo has also supported the Black Mambas, a predominantly female anti-poaching unit operating out of Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. They carry out snare sweeps, roadblocks, and round-the-clock patrols to help reduce poaching of giraffes and other animals within the reserve. The Zoo supports the maintenance of the Black Mambas’ base camps and vehicles, providing necessary patrol equipment and aiding the “Bush Babies” educational program in local schools.

In addition, the Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan for giraffes, which makes recommendations for animal transfers and reproduction based on what is best for the overall genetic diversity of the species in AZA-accredited facilities.