How to Raise Giraffes

Giraffes are native to the savanna country and can be found spread out across large sections of the African continent. With their spotted coats and long necks, giraffes have a striking appearance. They usually grow to between 14 and 18 feet tall, depending on the gender. Giraffes are herd animals and like to bond together. They are also usually relatively friendly and calm. However, because giraffes are essentially wild animals, it's important to know how to correctly care for them before your commit yourself to raising one.

Things You'll Need

  • Large baby bottles
  • Goat's milk
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a warm, dry space for the baby giraffe. A large horse stall, preferably with a tall ceiling, makes a good habitat. It's important to keep the baby secluded at first, to make sure it doesn't pick up germs from other animals. Cover the floor of the stall in a thick layer of wood shavings. These will provide a soft spot for the giraffe to sleep.

    • 2

      Keep the giraffe warm. Baby giraffes are susceptible to the cold. A stable with tightly closing windows is a good way to cut down on drafts. You can also drape light blankets over the baby to keep it from getting a chill.

    • 3

      Watch the new giraffe very carefully. Because newborn giraffes are so fragile and susceptible to sickness, it's important to watch the giraffe all day and night for the first few weeks to make sure it remains healthy. You'll also have to feed the baby around the clock. Creating a "babysitting" schedule and asking several people to help you is the best way to keep an eye on the new giraffe.

    • 4

      Feed the giraffe a mixture of goat's milk and water in a large baby bottle. Put in just enough water so that the goat's milk thins out slightly, making it easier for the baby giraffe to drink. For the first couple of days, offer a small amount of this milk every hour or so, gradually lengthening the time between feeding and increasing the amount of food until you've reached the baby's first week. At this point, the giraffe should be drinking about a liter of milk every four hours.

    • 5

      Weigh the giraffe to make sure he is gaining weight steadily. In the second week, the giraffe should be getting about five feedings a day, spread out from early morning to late night, and should weigh around 130 pounds, depending on the gender of the giraffe. Males will weigh a little more than females.

    • 6

      Take the giraffe for walks in large enclosed pastures. It's important for the baby to be able to stretch its legs and learn how to maneuver on its own.

    • 7

      Continue feeding the baby giraffe throughout the day. By the fifth week, the giraffe should be getting about four bottles a day, each of which should contain about 55 ounces of the goat's milk solution. At this point, the giraffe can begin to sample vegetation and grains, which will be its main source of food after it's weaned. Giraffes can be weaned after six months, but should ideally be weaned at about 15 months.