With big eyes, graceful strides and undeniable charm, giraffes are, without a doubt, some of the most beloved animals on our planet. At our Zoo, we’re lucky to be home to six Masai giraffes who have captured the hearts of not just our animal care team but thousands of guests each day. 

The Masai giraffe subspecies faces endangerment in their native habitats in Tanzania and Kenya due to threats like habitat loss, poaching, disease and more. Our herd proudly supports their native counterparts by participating in what’s known as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program which pairs animals across AZA-accredited organizations to safeguard their species. Thanks to this SSP, we’re able to meaningfully contribute toward conservation efforts to protect the population of Masai giraffes. 

Now, let’s meet the herd! 

Greg 

Greg is the oldest of the three male giraffes who reside at our Zoo. He was actually born at our Zoo a little over 10 years ago!  

“Greg is a headstrong giraffe who’s independent and smart when it comes to training,” said keeper Evan Reeves.  

In fact, Greg loves practicing hoof trims so much that he doesn’t waste any time when he knows it’s training time, offering his hoof almost immediately. 

When something unexpected happens, like new people being introduced, changes to their environment or even a loud noise, the herd usually freezes and backs away,” said keeper Lindsay. “But Greg is very bold—he’s first to check things out and the last to scare easily.” 

Aurora: 

 

Two-year-old Aurora, the “baby” of our herd, settled into our Zoo last year after arriving from the Phoenix Zoo. 

Initially, Aurora can be shy around new people, said keeper Katelyn Little. But once she opens up, she reveals her curious and “derpy” personality. 

“Just this last week, we had a softshell turtle start to dig by the fence on the veldt,” Katelyn recalled. “And Aurora walks over and stares at the turtle… then, she eventually leans down to sniff it, touching nose to nose.” 

Tisa 

Tisa is another one of our younger female giraffes, joining our Zoo family shortly after she turned a year old. 

“Tisa is so smart, curious, and one of the bravest giraffes in our tower,” said keeper Lindsay Keller. “She loves training so much and will push all the other giraffes out of her way so she can be the star!” 

When she was younger, Tisa always seemed scared to shift into her nighthouse area at bedtime, said keeper Grant Steinke. Funnily enough, any sign of fear flew out the window as soon as treats entered the picture.  

“She’s very smart and will try to trick keepers any way she can,” said Grant. “After a couple of months and lots of snacks later, we realized that’s when she was tricking everyone and pretending to be scared. Every now and then, she’ll try again!” 

Mapenzi 

As the breeding male of our giraffe tower, 6-year-old Mapenzi makes his presence known. Keepers often spot him displaying his dominance by necking with Sprinkle or pushing Greg around, two of our other male giraffes, said Lindsay.  

However, he is an *absolute gentlemen* to our ladies, constantly checking in on them and never pushing them out of his way for food—even if high value snacks are involved. Who said chivalry is dead?! 

Sweet Mapenzi is also a first-time dad with a calf on the way with mom-to-be, Kumi. 

Funnily, “Mapenzi is our resident rock climber,” said Lindsay. “At one point, he figured out how to jump in and out of the rock rings that are meant to protect some of the foliage on the veldt. Now, he is commonly seen inside the rock rings enjoying the browse he can reach all to himself because he is the only giraffe that does this.” 

Kumi 

Queen and expecting mother Kumi is the sweetest, goofiest and most cautious giraffe, said Lindsay. If there are any changes in the barn or on the veldt, she will stop and stare for ages to make sure there’s no threat.  

Since her arrival in 2015, keepers have worked really hard to gain trust and build her confidence, Lindsay added. She used to be scared to go in the rear chute on habitat for training and definitely did not like being touched.  

“During training sessions, she would let the other giraffe just push her out of the way, Lindsay said. “Now, Kumi is the first to come over for training, does not let others push her out of the chute easily and allows keepers and our veterinary team to touch her stomach for ultrasound. She has really come a long way!” 

Sprinkle 

Last but certainly not least, we have 8-year-old Sprinkle! Since arriving at our Zoo in 2018, Sprinkle’s confidence has grown from a timid giraffe to one of the leaders of the herd. 

“Sprinkle is a spunky giraffe,” said senior keeper Morgan Thums. “He likes to neck with Mapenzi on the veldt and can sometimes get destructive when trying to get to food.” 

Swing by our Expedition Africa loop to see our giraffes in person and participate in our daily feeding to give them some lettuce treats! 

---

 Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.