Feeding Practices and Welfare of Zoo-Housed Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) on a Global Scale

Since giraffe feeding practices have only been reported for European and US facilities, this study aimed to achieve a comprehensive overview of the current giraffe feeding practices on a global scale, as well as provide insights into the occurrence of oral stereotypies. We conducted a survey among zoos that house giraffes throughout the world. A total of 146 zoos responded and data on 702 individual giraffes were reported. A variety of feed sources were provided in varying proportions. Lucerne hay, fresh browse, (pelleted) compound feeds, and fruits and/or vegetables were commonly supplied as part of the daily ration in most zoos. Training sessions were reported in 108 facilities, and compound feeds and carrots were the most common food rewards. The estimated non-forage feed proportion in the theoretical dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) was lower than 50% in most zoos. The Index of Feeding Appropriateness (higher = more appropriate) was calculated, and only 62.3% or 41.8% of the zoos were in the upper half of the scale, depending on whether the appropriateness of the compound feed was accounted for in the calculation or not. Licking of non-food objects and tongue playing were the most commonly reported oral stereotypies. Various indicators of diet appropriateness correlated with the number of stereotypies reported, and differed between animals for which stereotypies were reported or not. This study suggests changes in feeding management to improve giraffe well-being.