Giraffes are funny animals, right? They have this tall, long neck that keeps their heads in the trees, and they look funny galloping around their habitat. Although amusing, they're also stunning to look at, although it's one of those zoo animals that it's hard for the public to experience up close. Yet, that's all changing at The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium.

Limitations of Current Giraffe Habitat

The zoo and aquarium explain the current giraffe habitat isn't that great. It turns out their current savanna habitat and their behind-the-scenes barn are separated by a quarter of a mile, and when the herd wants to go out, it's not a quick process for them to navigate the corridor between the two.

Animal caretakers also consider weather conditions and the quarter-mile corridor when deciding whether the giraffes should go out. They want to avoid rushing the herd from one place to another because of the temperature, precipitation, or other weather that might impact the zoo.

This prevents the zoo's giraffes from being in areas where visitors can see them and be regularly amused and awed by these fantastic, beautiful, and funky creatures.

New Habitat Better For The Herd, Better For Visitors

The reimagined habitat for the zoo's giraffes will incorporate both the barn and the African savana in one place. This will eliminate the need for giraffes to walk the corridor between the habitat and the barn and give the animals more choice about whether to be out in the habitat or inside. Additionally, the giraffes will have an indoor habitat, allowing zoo visitors to see them year-round in any weather.

The new habitat also includes shade structures outside to keep the giraffes cooler. Feeding stations inside and outside the habitat will allow visitors to observe these beautiful, long-necked animals closer. As well as infrastructure to allow animal caretakers easier feeding and enrichment access to the giraffes.

Visitors will have more straightforward and interactive access to the giraffes year-round. The project will also allow the zoo to build ADA-compliant restrooms with infant changing tables. Additionally, a new concessions area is included in the project, which the zoo believes is necessary in that area of the Africa section.

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You Can Help

If you're interested in helping the Zoo build its new giraffe habitat, they accept donations, with their goal of 10 million dollars. You can learn more here if you'd like to be part of their fundraising efforts to help the giraffes and the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium.