PREVIEW

A 12-foot-tall giraffe has been chauffeured to London Zoo via “giraffemobile” for a taste of city life before he makes an onward journey to a new home in France.

22-month-old reticulated giraffe Wilfred travelled from Whipsnade Zoo to London Zoo (Tuesday 15 October 2024) in a specialist vehicle, driven by animal transport experts. The lorry’s retractable roof allowed long-necked Wilfred a comfortable experience boarding, before embarking on a 45-minute drive between the sister conservation zoos.

Before keepers bid Wilfred bon voyage to his permanent home in France – a move recommended as part of the European breeding programme – he will first enjoy a stay at London Zoo. This move to London has reunited Wilfred with his half-sister Nuru, both of whom were fathered by 12-year-old Bashu at Whipsnade.

London Zoo giraffe keeper Gemma Metcalf said: “Wilfred was born at Whipsnade Zoo in 2022 and, now that he’s older, it’s almost time for him to become the patriarch of his own herd.

“His future move to France is part of the careful collaborative planning of the European breeding programme for his species. Wilfred is reaching an age where it’s time for him to depart Whipsnade Zoo but, until everything is sorted for him to make that trip over the English Channel, he’ll be enjoying a stay here at London Zoo with our giraffes Nuru and Molly.

“The next few days will be focused on ensuring Wilfred is settled in his new surroundings, giving him his favourite food – plenty of leaves – and letting him explore his new paddock at his own pace. He not only shares this with Molly and Nuru, but also with our three ostriches, Rocky, Mrs. Tweedy and Maude.”

During his time under the care of keepers at Whipsnade Zoo, Wilfred participated in regular training, which ensured he voluntarily walked into his transport vehicle ready for his road trip. Wilfred’s quirks, like his boundless energy and curious nature, are passed on between keepers, ensuring that his stay at London will feature his favourite activities and rewards. Key observations are logged by zookeepers in ZIMS, a global zoological database and matchmaking tool, allowing them to be shared with counterparts at his future home in France.

Gemma added: “Wilfred has truly thrived in his time at Whipsnade Zoo, but his departure from that herd means they can hopefully welcome more baby giraffes soon – two were born there this year alone, and it’s incredible to see the herd growing from strength to strength. Once Wilfred has settled in his permanent home, he’ll one day be able to father giraffe calves himself, with each birth another success in the preservation of this incredible species.”

Reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), named after the patterned shape on their long necks, are categorised as Endangered on IUCN’s Red List and increasingly threatened by habitat loss and hunting in their native East Africa. Wilfred’s move is part of ZSL’s collaboration with other conservation zoos across Europe to breed this Endangered giraffe species and ensure its future survival.