Chester Zoo, located in the United Kingdom, is home to a variety of animals, including the critically endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. This subspecies of giraffe is one of the most at-risk mammals in the world, with a population of less than 2,500 individuals in the wild.
What is the Chester Zoo Giraffe?
The Chester Zoo Giraffe refers to the Rothschild’s giraffe, a subspecies of giraffe that is found at the Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom. Rothschild’s giraffes are known for their broader dividing white lines and are named after Lord Walter Rothschild, the founder of the National History Museum in Tring, Hertfordshire.
Physical Characteristics of the Chester Zoo Giraffe
Adult Rothschild’s giraffes can reach heights of over 18ft (5.5m) and weigh up to 157 stone (1,000kg). Newborns, like the one recently born at Chester Zoo, are already 6ft (1.8m) tall and weigh over 11 stone (70kg).
Habitat and Diet of the Chester Zoo Giraffe
Giraffes are herbivores that feed on leaves, seeds, fruits, buds, and branches high up in mimosa and acacia trees. They inhabit savannahs, arid lands, dense forests, and open plains in Africa.
Conservation Efforts for the Chester Zoo Giraffe
Chester Zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts for the Rothschild’s giraffe. The zoo collaborates with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and Ugandan Wildlife Authority to monitor and safeguard giraffes in the wild, with a focus on Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda. These efforts have led to an increase in giraffe numbers for the fourth consecutive year.
Adopt a Giraffe Program at Chester Zoo
To support conservation efforts, Chester Zoo offers an adoption program for giraffes. There are three levels of adoption: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, which include various perks such as admission tickets and zoo goodies.
Giraffe Experience at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo offers a Giraffe Experience, which allows visitors to get closer than ever before with Rothschild’s giraffes. Participants can feed the giraffes at head height from a viewing platform and learn about their conservation from animal experts.
Contact Information for Chester Zoo
For more information or to book a Giraffe Experience, contact Chester Zoo at 01244 380280.
References
BBC. (2024, March 14). Chester Zoo celebrates birth of rare giraffe. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-68566974
Chester Zoo. (n.d.). Giraffe Experience. Retrieved from https://www.chesterzoo.org/online-shop/meet-experiences-at-chester-zoo/giraffe-experience/
Chester Zoo. (n.d.). Rothschild’s Giraffe | Meet Our Animals | Plan Your Visit. Retrieved from https://www.chesterzoo.org/our-zoo/animals/giraffe/
Chester Zoo. (2024, March 15). Welcoming a rare baby giraffe into the world. Retrieved from https://www.chesterzoo.org/news/welcoming-a-rare-baby-giraffe-into-the-world/
Chester Zoo. (2024, April 05). Giraffe calf Edie kicks up her heels. Retrieved from https://www.chesterzoo.org/news/giraffe-calf-edie-kicks-up-her-heels/