Does The Detroit Zoo Have Giraffes? Exploring The Tall Wonders Of Detroits Zoo

Are there giraffes at the Detroit Zoo? Yes, indeed! You can find these magnificent creatures in the African Grasslands habitat, where four giraffes named Mpenzi, Kivuli, Jabari, and Zara reside.

The Detroit Zoo’s African Grasslands exhibit is currently home to a total of five giraffes. These graceful creatures include Mpenzi, whose name translates to “love” in Swahili, one of the languages spoken in East Africa where giraffes are typically found. Mpenzi’s family consists of his mother, Kivuli, his father, Jabari, Zara, and the newest addition to the group, Juhudi. Juhudi was born to Zara and Jabari in May 2023, adding an extra layer of excitement to the giraffe family at the Detroit Zoo.

As of June 16, 2022, the United States boasts a population of at least 579 captive giraffes, distributed across 103 zoological institutions throughout North America. Additionally, across European zoos, there are more than 800 giraffes, with a significant portion, approximately 150, residing in the United Kingdom. It’s important to note that while free-living giraffes in the wild often engage in complex social relationships, their counterparts in zoos may not have the same opportunities. In several instances, giraffes in captivity are deprived of social interactions and may live solitary lives or be housed with just one companion. This raises questions about the social well-being of giraffes in captive environments.