Geoff, a young male reticulated giraffe, arrived at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Friday, December 6. Geoff’s relocation to Omaha represents an exciting step forward in the Zoo’s commitment to giraffe conservation.
Geoff, who came from an AZA-accredited facility in the Southeast, arrived in the mid-morning hours and has already begun acclimating to his new surroundings. His move to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Reticulated Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program that works to manage genetically diverse, demographically varied and biologically sound populations of threatened or endangered species.
As part of the Zoo’s herd, Geoff has been recommended to breed with female giraffes in an effort to contribute to the conservation of his species. Reticulated giraffes are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, with populations having plummeted by more than 50% in the last three decades. This decline is primarily driven by habitat loss, illegal hunting and human-wildlife conflict. It is estimated that less than 16,000 reticulated giraffes remain in their natural environment, making conservation efforts both urgent and critical.
“Geoff’s arrival is a vital step in our efforts to support the conservation of reticulated giraffes,” said Ryan Sears, curator of large mammals at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “By participating in collaborative breeding programs like the SSP, we’re ensuring a future for this incredible species while educating our visitors about the challenges these animals face in their natural environments.”
Guests are encouraged to visit Geoff and the rest of the herd in the Syd and Betty Cate Giraffe Herd Rooms within the Scott African Grasslands. For updates on Geoff and other animals at the Zoo, follow @OmahaZoo on Facebook and @TheOmahaZoo on Instagram.