The Wilder Institute/ Calgary Zoo has announced the arrival of four-year-old Masai giraffe Amani, previously a resident of the Toronto Zoo.
Amani joins the Calgary Zoo giraffe tower’s current residents, 14-year-old Nabo, and his nine-year-old daughter, Moshi.
The giraffe’s move from Toronto to Calgary is part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program, which supports long-term conservation of endangered or threatened species in zoos or aquariums. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo participates in 46 different SSPs for threatened and endangered species.
Amani is one of only four Masai giraffes in Canada. Of the four Masai giraffes residing in Canada, only two are male — one is Amani’s father, and the other is Calgary’s Nabo. Zoo officials say pairing Amani with Nabo “marks a critical step in securing a brighter future for this majestic species.”
“We’ve been planning this move for some time, and we’re so excited to officially welcome Amani to her new home in Calgary,” said Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director of animal care, health and welfare, in a Monday news release.
“Amani’s arrival is a significant boost for our tower’s well-being and plays a vital role in the SSP for Masai giraffes. Our commitment to animal welfare, well-being, and species conservation is at the core of everything we do. We’re hoping for a tall tale of romance between her and Nabo as a successful breeding pair!”
The Wilder Institute/ Calgary Zoo worked closely with the Toronto Zoo to secure the giraffe’s safe and official transfer, as it required months of planning, coordination and logistics from both sides, as well as specialized equipment and permits.
A trailer was designed specifically with giraffe welfare in mind, allowing for optimal animal comfort on the lengthy cross-country road trip, and a team of professionals from both zoos accompanied Amani for the drive.
To minimize travel time, officials rotated sleep and driving schedules, keeping up with planned breaks for animal welfare checks and feedings.
“This collaboration of experts in wildlife transport, including experienced giraffe handlers, underscores their shared commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and well-being,” read the Calgary Zoo news release regarding the transfer.
Teams experienced a mechanical issue in Saskatchewan, which was remedied with the support of WestJet Cargo. The airline provided access to a temperature-controlled hangar for Amani to stay in overnight while the issue with transport was solved.
Now in Calgary, Amani will undergo a 10 to 30-day quarantine before being introduced to the giraffe tower’s current residents. The exact length of the quarantine will be decided by the zoo’s animal care, health and welfare team. She will have access to the outdoors while in isolation, and while she won’t be directly on display to visitors, she may still be visible.