How feeding enrichment design for captive giraffes can better meet their natural foraging behavior and reduce welfare problems from boredom.
Giraffe welfare in zoos depends heavily on feeding enrichment that mirrors natural browsing behavior. Ground-level feeding forces giraffes into splayed postures that increase cardiovascular strain and neck strain. Elevated feeders at appropriate browse height encourage natural posture and extend foraging time. Progressive zoos are developing rotating browse programs using seasonal vegetation and varied food items to maintain novelty and behavioral engagement across the day.