Giraffes present unique welfare challenges in captivity due to their size, social complexity, and thermoregulatory needs.
Giraffe welfare in captivity involves challenges specific to their anatomy and ecology. Height clearances in indoor housing, appropriate furniture heights for feeding, and social group composition all affect welfare significantly. Giraffes in inadequate social groups or with incompatible companions show chronic stress. The species-specific challenge of welfare assessment — giraffes mask illness and rarely vocalise — means welfare problems can be missed until animals are severely compromised.