Giraffes are among the most challenging large mammals to keep in captivity, with significant welfare concerns around feeding position, social structure, and space requirements.
Giraffe welfare in zoo settings is compromised by the fundamental incompatibility between their spatial and social needs and typical zoo enclosure sizes. Feeding giraffes at ground level forces them into an anatomically stressful splayed-leg position they use only to drink water in the wild. Social disruption from breeding transfers creates stress and behavioral changes. Even large safari park settings may be insufficient for giraffe behavioral needs. The conservation justification for zoo giraffe keeping is weak given poor reintroduction prospects.