On weekends, the Zoo may experience high attendance. For your safety and guest experience, the Zoo may need to limit parking once the lots are full. We typically reopen the parking lots once guests start leaving and spaces open. Check on our social media or website for up-to-date information on parking status. Read our tips for visiting.
We are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our giraffe calf! The Zoo’s giraffe Leia gave birth to her calf—already about six feet tall—on Saturday, May 20. Leia and the calf are doing very well and will remain behind the scenes to continue to bond.
Follow us on social for updates on the new calf!
Conservation biologists have recently raised alarm after noting a 40% decline in Africa’s giraffe population over the past three decades. Moreover, genetic evidence suggest that what was previously thought of as one widespread species may in fact consist of four, or perhaps as many as eight different giraffe species. Several of these new species are at grave risk of extinction if threats persist and thus in urgent need of conservation attention. The North Carolina Zoo is helping to protect giraffes in Tanzania by assessing their population health and helping rangers on the ground reduce poaching. The Zoo is also actively involved in investigating a mysterious skin disease that as of yet has no known cure. You can read more about the Zoo’s work on wild giraffes below, under related resources.
This species is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFEspecies. SAFE seeks to protect threatened and endangered species around the world.
Training giraffe enables them to participate in their own care. After building trust through training, the giraffe voluntarily accept vaccinations and allow blood to be drawn. Keepers and veterinarians can also work on their hooves through training.
This species is cooperatively managed as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan program program. This program is responsible for developing a Breeding and Transfer Plan for each species in the program.
The North Carolina Zoo is helping to protect giraffes in southern Tanzania by assessing their population health, reducing poaching, and investigating a mysterious skin disease.