As part of its dedication to whole life care, Reid Park Zoo recently fitted geratric giraffe Jasiri with a pair of shoes to make him more comfortable while he walks.
“As Jasiri has aged, we became concerned with how he moved. In order for us to better evaluate what his feet look like on the inside, it required an anesthetic procedure,” said Dr. Alexis Roth, Chief Veterinarian at Reid Park Zoo.
During the procedure, the veterinary team identified advanced degenerative changes in his lower legs. These changes are not unexpected in an elderly giraffe, but they create discomfort when he walks. During the procedure, the Zoo’s animal care team was able to work with Steve Foxworth, head of the national Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program, to create shoes specifically designed for Jasiri that will make him more comfortable when he walks.
The shoes are already having a big impact. “Jasiri is adapting well to his new foot wear. For the first time in months, he has been running around his habitat, which is such a joy to see,” Zoo Director of Animal Care Adam Ramsey said.
“Just like any other geratric animal, Jasiri’s care requires constant attention. These shoes are not permanent, and we don’t expect them to be a permanent solution. In a couple of months, we will need to do another procedure to see how the shoes have helped and how we can continue to help him moving forward,” said Dr. Roth.
Jasiri has lived at Reid Park Zoo since 2012. The median life expectancy for male giraffes is 16.5.