A beloved Masai giraffe named Kiko, born at Greenville Zoo and later moved to the Toronto Zoo, died after an accident while exploring a behind-the-scenes area. The zoo is investigating the incident, and Kiko had contributed to conservation efforts through a breeding program. The species is listed as endangered due to significant population decline.
Scientists have identified three additional giraffe species beyond the previously recognized single species, based on genetic and physical differences, which has important implications for conservation efforts to protect these animals.
The IUCN has officially recognized four distinct giraffe species—Masai, northern, reticulated, and southern—based on genetic research, which could lead to more targeted conservation efforts and policies across Africa, especially for the critically endangered northern giraffe.
A Texas toddler had a brief scare when a giraffe at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center accidentally lifted her by her shirt while trying to grab a feed bag, but she was unharmed. The incident, captured on video, led the park to change its safety rules, now requiring all visitors to stay inside their vehicles with doors closed.
A giraffe at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas lifted a toddler by her shirt before quickly returning her to her mother. The family, who was feeding the giraffe from the back of a pickup truck, was shocked but unharmed. The wildlife center will now prohibit visitors from riding in pickup beds to prevent similar incidents. The family holds no ill will towards the giraffe or the park and even bought their daughter a stuffed giraffe as a memento.
A giraffe at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas grabbed a two-year-old girl by her T-shirt while she was feeding it, startling her parents before quickly dropping her back into the truck.
A toddler was lifted into the air by a giraffe during a family visit to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas. The child was unharmed, and the wildlife center has since updated its safety policies to prevent similar incidents. The family holds no ill will and plans to return.
A Texas family experienced a terrifying moment when a giraffe picked up their toddler during a drive-thru safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. The incident, caught on camera, ended without injury as the child was safely caught by her mother. The wildlife center has since updated its safety policies, banning guests from riding in truck beds. The family holds no ill will and plans to return, acknowledging the giraffe was simply trying to get food.
During a visit to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas, a giraffe lifted a toddler into the air by her shirt while she was feeding it. The child was unharmed and caught by her mother. The wildlife center has since updated its safety policies to prevent similar incidents. The family holds no ill will and plans to return.
A giraffe at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas lifted a toddler from the bed of a pickup truck during a feeding experience, prompting the center to ban visitors from riding in truck beds. The family involved expressed no anger towards the giraffe or the park, calling it an accident.
A giraffe at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas accidentally lifted a 2-year-old girl out of a truck while she was feeding it, but quickly released her unharmed after her mother screamed. The incident was captured on video by another visitor.
A Texas family experienced a scare at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center when a giraffe accidentally hoisted their 2-year-old daughter into the air by her shirt while trying to grab a feed bag. The incident, which was captured on camera, ended safely with the giraffe letting go after the mother shouted. Despite the scare, the family plans to visit the park again.
A family visiting Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, experienced a surprising moment when a hungry giraffe lifted their toddler out of their truck by the child's shirt.
A toddler was briefly plucked out of her mother's hands by a giraffe at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas, but was quickly dropped back after the mother startled the animal. The giraffe was reportedly trying to grab a bag of food the child was holding.