Meet Our Giraffe Family

Paignton Zoo is home to four magnificent Rothschild's giraffes: Janica, Otilie, Eliska, and Florrie. These gentle giants have captured the hearts of our visitors and staff alike. But our herd is missing something important - the chance to grow their family and contribute to the conservation of their endangered species.

As part of the European breeding programme, our herd composition will be carefully managed to ensure the best breeding outcomes, with moves coordinated between zoos to maintain genetic diversity.

Why This Matters

Rothschild's giraffes are a vulnerable subspecies with fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild. Every birth in captivity is precious, contributing vital genetic diversity to the global breeding programme that helps secure their future.

Our females are all of breeding age and excellent health, but we need the right facilities to safely introduce a male and manage the breeding process.

The Challenge We Face

Our current giraffe house was designed for our existing herd, but breeding giraffes requires specialist facilities. We need to create:

- Safe introduction areas where the male can settle and gradually meet the females

- Flexible spaces that allow natural courtship behaviours

- Maternity facilities designed for pregnant giraffes and newborn calves

- Separate areas for different stages of the breeding programme

Your Impact

£25 could provide enrichment toys to help our giraffes feel comfortable in their new space

£50 could fund specialist veterinary equipment for monitoring pregnancies

£100 could support a week of specialist nutrition for a breeding male

£250 could contribute to essential safety features in the new facility

Looking to the Future

Imagine the excitement of announcing Paignton Zoo's first giraffe birth in nearly 10 years. Picture families watching in wonder as baby giraffes take their first steps. Your support today makes this dream possible while contributing to global conservation efforts.

Every Pound Counts...

Help us give our giraffes room to grow - donate today.