Giraffes face unique welfare challenges in captivity related to their height, feeding requirements, and social complexity. Evidence-based husbandry is improving standards.
Giraffe welfare problems often relate to inability to express natural foraging postures and movement patterns. Feeding stations at ground level force unnatural postures that increase cardiovascular strain. Social incompatibility between exhibit individuals causes chronic stress and aggression. Giraffe calves require careful management of introduction to adult males who can kill unrelated young. Flooring surface quality significantly affects foot and joint health. European and North American zoo standards for giraffe husbandry have improved substantially through research into natural behavior, but implementation varies across facilities.