Giraffes are the world's tallest land animals and present unique welfare challenges in captivity related to their height requirements, feeding behaviour, and susceptibility to cold weather.
Giraffe welfare in captivity requires facilities specifically designed for their extraordinary body plan. Feed presented at height engages the natural neck extension and tongue manipulation that characterise wild browsing behaviour; ground-level feeding is an unnatural posture that increases vulnerability to predators in evolutionary context and strains the neck. Foot health depends on substrate quality and the opportunity for natural wear; padded areas combined with harder surfaces allow choice. Temperature sensitivity means giraffes in temperate zoos require excellent heated indoor facilities with sufficient ceiling height for full movement. Social management must account for male neck-wrestling behaviour and provide sufficient space for subordinate animals to avoid dominant males.