Hamilton Zoo is nearing completion of a multi-story giraffe barn designed to improve animal welfare and veterinary access for the zoo’s male giraffes, Jabali and Kevin. The 9-meter-tall structure replaces an aging facility that suffered from rotting infrastructure and lacked electricity, providing a temperature-controlled environment essential for the species’ health, according to zoo director Dr. Baird Fleming.
The new barn, which spans 7 meters from the ground to the roofline, addresses long-standing space and climate constraints. According to Dr. Baird Fleming, the facility allows staff to implement modern animal care standards, specifically by providing heating during winter months. Giraffes are savanna-adapted animals, and zoo staff have noted that cold temperatures negatively impact their joints and overall comfort.
Ungulates keeper Danielle Hook described the transition as a significant upgrade. The previous barn lacked basic amenities like doors and electricity, making it difficult to maintain the necessary environment. The new facility includes specialized features such as drinkers, improved ventilation, and a padded stall specifically engineered to cushion a giraffe if it falls while under anesthesia—a critical safety measure for medical procedures.
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Giraffes are notoriously flighty when introduced to new environments. Keeper Danielle Hook estimates it may take up to five weeks for the giraffes to fully adjust to the new barn, requiring a slow process of luring them inside with food.
Veterinary Access and Operational Efficiency
The barn’s two-story design is intended to streamline daily operations and veterinary care. By allowing keepers to work at the same eye level as the giraffes, the facility makes routine health checks for teeth, tongues, and ears safer and more efficient. Ungulates keeper Maddison Painter noted that previous space constraints limited the medical procedures staff could perform.
The design process involved a collaboration between local architects and a US-based zoo designer. Dr. Fleming characterized it as the fastest design process he has participated in during his career. The project aims to be fully operational by November, serving as a regional hub for giraffe housing.
Regional Impact on Breeding and Conservation
Beyond the immediate needs of Jabali and Kevin, the barn provides a vital resource for the wider regional zoo network. Dr. Fleming explained that there are few facilities capable of housing male giraffes, particularly as many institutions focus primarily on breeding programs.
“It’s somewhat unlucky if you were born a male giraffe in the region because it’s hard to find a home,” Fleming said. By expanding their capacity, Hamilton Zoo intends to assist other regional facilities by providing a dedicated space for younger male giraffes. This approach helps manage population distribution and reduces the logistical pressure on other zoos in the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the new giraffe barn necessary?
The previous facility had deteriorated significantly, with rotting plywood and no electricity or functional doors. The new barn provides heating for cold weather and safer medical access for keepers.
How does the new barn help with veterinary care?
The two-story design allows keepers to reach the giraffes’ eye level for health checks. It also includes a padded stall to protect the animals during anaesthesia, reducing the risk of injury.
When will the giraffes move into the new barn?
The facility is scheduled to be operational by November. Keepers will use a gradual, positive reinforcement process to encourage the giraffes to enter the new space.
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