Taronga Zoo Sydney’s most iconic residents, giraffes Jimiyu and Zarafa, have made the short but mighty journey up Giraffe Road, to reclaim their iconic position overlooking sparkling Sydney Harbour.
Their new home offers the same uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour that giraffes have enjoyed at Taronga Zoo since 1926 with the addition of new, larger facilities and immersive opportunities for guests.
The design of the new Giraffe exhibit adopts new technologies, offers greater area and diversity of space for the animals while also incorporating natural ventilation and animal training areas to ensure positive animal welfare practices. The exhibit also incorporates elements of Taronga’s history, with the original mock-rock giraffe house which was completed in 1924 being retained alongside the new additions.
Taronga Zoo CEO Cameron Kerr said it was it was a momentous move and marked a new era for Taronga. “The sight of Giraffes set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour is etched in the memory of guests from who have visited Taronga for the best part of a century. We are beyond delighted to not only to see them return to their iconic position, but also make themselves at home in their new, state-of-the-art exhibit.
“Their new home is equipped with the latest developments in animal husbandry and care, while also providing more ways than ever before for guests to observe, learn from and interact with these beautiful creatures,” said Kerr.
Despite their new home being just a few hundred meters away from their previous exhibit, years of planning went into moving the Giraffe in a specially designed trailer which was then driven across the zoo. Keepers conducted thrice-daily training sessions with Jimiyu and Zarafa, conditioning them to the trailer and ensuring they would feel at ease during the move.
Taronga Zoo Ungulate Supervisor Gabe Virgona said: “It goes without saying that moving two, one-tonne Giraffes into a new exhibit is tall order. Significant training has gone into preparing the animals for the move and ensuring the exercise was as smooth and as stress free as possible."
“Our Giraffe keepers have worked diligently to build up a level of trust and comfort with the animals. We were so pleased to see it come together without a hitch and are equally thrilled to see them move into and enjoy their new home,” said Virgona.
Taronga Zoo Sydney is currently closed to guests due to restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While the zoos temporary closure means guests have had to keep up with the animals with virtual visits to TarongaTV.com, the quieter zoo environment is the perfect opportunity for the Giraffes to get acquainted with their home.
Taronga Zoo CEO Cameron Kerr said: “It’s a little quieter than usual in the zoo at the moment which makes it the perfect time for Jimiyu and Zarafa to make this important move and get to know their new home, so they are ready to welcome back guests when the time comes.
“The Giraffes returning to their harbourside home is just the first step in an exciting journey as the migration begins to welcome the animals to our amazing new African Savannah precinct. It will be an experience like no other, with a view like never before, and we cannot wait to share it with the world,” said Kerr.
