Kinda (rhymes with Linda) arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on May 27, 2025. She’s easy to spot in the herd because she’s currently the smallest, and her coat is a darker brown than others. The 1-year-old female giraffe is impressing her keepers with her confidence and adaptability. “She may be the smallest in the herd, but she is certainly holding her own,” ... more

In honor of World Giraffe Day, we’re excited to share a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind study on giraffe hoof health.

In collaboration with Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe (the Giraffe Center) is contributing to the first-ever anatomical study of the lower limbs of giraffe, both in human care and in the wild.

Recently, staff members from the Giraffe Center traveled to Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine to study the hooves of giraffe that previously lived in human care. Giraffe Center staff also traveled to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in Namibia to study hooves from wild giraffe.

The goal of this study is to better understand the internal structure of giraffe hooves and use that knowledge to improve lifelong hoof care for giraffe everywhere.

The first step in the study was capturing CT images of giraffe hooves from individuals in human care and the wild. These scans allow the teams to compare hoof structures across the two groups and identify key similarities and differences that could help improve future care. These scans, like the one shown in this post, provide a deeper look at internal giraffe hoof anatomy. Learn about the anatomy with this color-coded key in the image and below.

 Digital extensors

 Deep digital flexor

 Superficial digital flexor

 Heel bulbs

The second step in this study is to compare hoof measurements of giraffe in the wild and human care. The hope is to publish and share the study as a valuable resource for hoof care professionals everywhere. As more zoos prioritize preventive hoof care for giraffe, having data-driven foundational information could advance giraffe care around the world.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo staff and giraffe fans are reflecting on the life of a legendary giraffe, Mahali [ma-HAUL-ee]. After an age-related decline in his health, Mahali’s care team made the difficult but compassionate decision to euthanize him on Thurs., April 10. Mahali was the second-oldest male reticulated giraffe in Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities in the country at 22 years old. . . more

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo established The International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe (The Giraffe Center) in 2022. With three full-time employees, The Giraffe Center is a concentrated effort by CMZoo to consolidate resources, expand educational programs to improve and enrich the lives of giraffe in human care throughout the world, and inspire conservation action...more

Construction in admissions plaza, African Rift Valley and the historic road through the Zoo are well underway. Join Cheyenne Mountain Zoo President & CEO, Bob Chastain, for a first look at our ambitious vision for the future. Constructing a state-of-the-art giraffe habitat and care center with beautiful and functional guest spaces ... more

Khalid, CMZoo’s 16-year-old breeding bull giraffe, may be considered aging for an intact male giraffe in human care. But, at 16, he’s tackling new training routines and locations with the enthusiasm, confidence and consistency of a much younger giraffe. The trusting relationships he has built with his keepers, along with the confidence he has in . . . more

Panya may be one of the smallest-statured giraffe in the CMZoo tower, but since moving to the Zoo in 2019, she has secured her spot as a confident standout in the herd with a lot of independence. She turns seven years old on August 13, and CMZoo partner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, is helping throw a big party to celebrate... more

On the longest day of the year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will celebrate the longest-necked animal: the giraffe! On Fri., June 21, giraffe keepers and staff from the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe (The Giraffe Center) are throwing a daylong event to commemorate World Giraffe Day. “This is our way of thanking our community for their dedication to our herd, our Zoo and our conservation partners all year long,” says Diana Miller, giraffe specialist at The Giraffe Center. “We have a ton of inspiring activities planned!”.. more

If you’ve ever wondered if animals have blood types, you’re not the only one! The International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (The Giraffe Center), recently teamed up with Dr. Lily Parkinson, clinical veterinarian at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, and several more giraffe care teams to help find out. Dr. Parkinson is leading a study to see if giraffe have different blood types and if it is common for giraffe to have compatible blood types...more

February is International Hoof Care Month, so come behind the scenes for an up-close look at giraffe hoof care training! Hoof care is important for the overall health of all hoofstock animals. Brushing, picking, and trimming contribute to maintaining healthy hooves, directly influencing the health of a giraffe’s entire body. At CMZoo, keepers have built trust with the giraffe herd through positive reinforcement, offering them the choice to train with their favorite crackers or walk away... more