News and Stories

Footcare for a giraffe is very important to its overall wellbeing, so keepers perform regular hoof trims. They have even trained many of the animals like Tessa to offer hooves voluntarily!

The team works with the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program to stay up on best practices and, on a recent visit, the hoofstock pros noted that the giraffe, okapi, and goats feet looked beautiful and we were doing a great job maintaining their hooves.

Keepers Teresa and Melina work with Tessa to keep her healthy!

Hundreds of hours and thousands of crackers went into teaching the giraffes to participate in their own hoof care. Giraffes are known to be nervous and skittish, so getting one to offer a foot and stand still while it’s being touched and handled by a keeper is no small accomplishment. Foot health is vitally important for a species that has to balance a lot of weight on extra-long legs. The ability to perform maintenance with the animal’s cooperation allows the team to do regular checkups without the risks associated with anesthesia.

In 2018, giraffes were listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Giraffe populations are suffering from habitat loss, trophy hunting, illegal poaching and war-stricken habitat. The Cincinnati Zoo supports wild Maasai giraffe conservation by offering “behind the scenes” tours with proceeds going to the Wild Nature Institute. Visit cincinnatizoo.org to schedule a tour.