Giraffes Spotted After 15 years at Edinburgh Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: May 11, 2021 8:59 pm

Ronnie and Arrow the giraffes settle in to their new home at the Edinburgh Zoo

Photo Credit: RZSS

Fore the first time in 15 years a herd of giraffes have taken up residence at the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland. New arrivals Ronnie and Arrow, a pair of Nubian giraffes, moved overnight from Woburn Safari Park arriving at Edinburgh Zoo at 9am today (May 11th 2021).

These are the first of five giraffes which will form a bachelor herd at the zoo. It is expected that guests will be given access to the house in mid-June.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland have partnered with Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bring giraffes back to the Scottish capital.

They will also support the conservation of giraffes in the wild.

Ronnie and Arrow the giraffes settle in to their new home at the Edinburgh Zoo

Photo Credit: RZSS

Jonathan Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said, “It is incredible to welcome giraffes back to Edinburgh Zoo and we are so excited to start introducing them to our charity’s members, patrons and visitors after they have settled in.”

“Numbers of giraffes in the wild have declined by almost 30% since the 1980s due to habitat loss and poaching, so this is a really important opportunity for us to raise awareness and support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s work to save the species.”

“Our brand-new giraffe house has been designed with high level walkways which means visitors will be able to meet these wonderful creatures face-to-face, giving them an amazing opportunity to connect with nature and be inspired to join us in protecting them from extinction.”

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Jonathan Appleyard added, “As they are the tallest animals in the world, it is very likely visitors will be able to spot our giraffes exploring their outdoor areas before we officially open to the public.”

“We are so grateful to Glenmorangie and everyone who donated to help build our giraffe house and support our partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.”

Julian Fennessy, co-director and co-founder of GCF, said, “There are only about 117,000 giraffe remaining in all of Africa. Their numbers have dropped by almost 30% in the last three decades. As this decline has happened largely unnoticed, it is now time that we draw more attention to this silent extinction. Zoos play an important role in sharing this message and the new giraffe herd at Edinburgh Zoo can play a vital role in raising awareness and funds for the plight of their wild cousins in Africa.”

Thomas Moradpour, President and Chief Executive of The Glenmorangie Company, said, “This majestic creature has long been a beloved symbol of our brand, thanks to our distillery’s giraffe-high stills, the tallest in Scotland.”