Denver giraffe temporarily moves to Colorado Springs

A Denver Zoo Giraffe to Support Conservation Efforts at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Denver Zoo officials announced on Friday that a 5-year-old giraffe from their zoo will be temporarily moving to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs to support conservation efforts.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Plan. With the recent passing of Khalid, the zoo’s 17-year-old breeding bull, the need for additional support in breeding efforts has arisen. Jasiri, a reticulated giraffe from the Denver Zoo, will be spending a few months at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to assist in these efforts.

According to Denver Zoo officials, reticulated giraffes are classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Collaborative conservation initiatives like the Species Survival Plan play a crucial role in supporting these incredible species.

While the duration of Jasiri’s stay at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was not specified, zoo officials mentioned that he is expected to return to Denver later this year. The Species Survival Plan aims to maintain a genetically diverse and sustainable population of giraffes at accredited zoos by carefully managing breeding programs across different facilities.