It is important to check the muzzle, which giraffes can sometimes get injured after pulling each other on a branch. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
A North Nubian giraffe named Johanka is now undergoing veterinary training. She is the first giraffe at Prague Zoo that the keepers train daily. They use the so-called target, treats in the form of giraffe biscuits, and the youthful nature of the one-and-a-half-year-old animal. Visitors to the Africa House can see the regular training with their own eyes. What seems like self-serving petting is actually a sophisticated method.
“Johanka is already letting us touch her head and check her eyes, ears, horns, and mouth. She has learned to respond positively to our target, which is a short handle with a blue balloon. She has associated its presence and the accompanying click of the clicker with treats, and this allows us to, for example, weigh her,” says senior keeper Aleš Doležal.
While the target and treats keep the giraffe busy, the other keeper can check its eyes and ears for inflammation or its horns for occasional abrasions. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Although the young giraffe is docile, the desired goal is still far away. In the future, this means taking blood from the jugular vein. Considering the height of these ungulates, a voluntary method conditioned by positive motivation would save the giraffe and the zoo staff the stress associated with the necessary anesthesia.
“I used to take care of elephants, which are more receptive and less conservative. Working with giraffes is different because they are actually very shy animals whose trust you gain quite slowly,” adds Doležal. According to him, it is good to start training with a giraffe at a young age. Young animals are less cautious and more open to new things.
These days, people will see the herd of North Nubian giraffes more in the indoor exhibition of the Africa House. However, it is not uncommon for the seven-member herd to go for walks in the large enclosure even in winter. If the weather is calm, sunny, and there is no danger of frost, even temperatures slightly above zero do not pose the slightest problem to giraffes.
It is noteworthy that the almost sixteen-year-old giraffe Nsia (pictured in the background) probably remembered her own during Johana’s training and now also comes to the keepers for target. Nsia comes from the English Marwell Zoo, where they regularly trained with her in her youth. In the picture, from left, the head keeper Aleš Doležal and keeper Daniel Jančařík. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo