Denver the Giraffe Celebrates Her Birthday at Reid Park Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 3, 2021 12:45 am

Denver the giraffe at the Reid Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Reid Park Zoo

It was a special day at the Reid Park Zoo in the United States on February 1st 2020 as Denver the giraffe celebrated her 32nd birthday. This age well exceeds the median lifespan for a giraffe which is 19 years old. Her advanced age demonstrates the specialized care and experience which Reid Park Zoo can provide their animals.

Currently Denver is the second oldest giraffe contributing to the giraffe Species Survival Plan. Zoos around the world participate in SSPs for hundreds of species through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage populations within zoos and enhance conservation in the wild

“Denver’s health is closely monitored and we practice a lot of preventive care,” says giraffe keeper Julia Beres. “She is particularly great about voluntarily participating in her care like allowing for weekly weighing and routine blood draws. She is currently in good health and the only treatment she regularly gets is a daily medication to treat for arthritis.”

Denver the giraffe at the Reid Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Reid Park Zoo

Denver is recognized as a favorite among the staff, volunteers and visitors at the Reid Park Zoo as a result of her sweet personality.

“She is very sweet and patient with everyone she meets, but also is not afraid to make her opinions known — especially when it comes to food! She will pick around to eat her favorite snacks first and has clear favorites when it comes to species of plants to browse on,” Beres said.

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Denver was one of the giraffes at the Reid Park Zoo to greet, Penelope and Sota two new adult giraffes who joined the Reid Park Zoo herd in October 2020.

“Denver was very curious about the new giraffes at first, but clearly understood that they were young. She has a lot of experience with young giraffes in her 32 years and it showed during their introductions,” said Beres. “She was patient and gentle, but not afraid to assert her seniority. The three of them are getting along very well now and easily fell into being a little herd. They even train well alongside one another!”

In the wild giraffe populations have declined by 30% over the last 30 years. This is mainly a result of habitat loss and poaching.