November 30, 2024
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is building a new “spot” for giraffes expected to open in May 2026. The new giraffe complex will bring upgrades including year-round indoor viewing of the majestic animals, a giraffe feeding experience, and updated amenities in the 30-year-old Africa section of the Zoo.
The project, designed by TESSERE and brought to life by general contractor JE Dunn Construction, will allow Zoo guests to be nose-to-nose with the tallest land animals in the world and learn more about this endangered species.
The current layout of the giraffe habitat and behind-the-scenes barn severely limits the number of days the animals can be seen by guests as viewing is highly dependent on weather conditions. The savanna habitat and the giraffe barn are separated by a quarter of a mile and can be a slow process for the herd to navigate the corridor between them. The new complex will feature a large indoor giraffe habitat directly attached to the outdoor yards so weather will no longer be a barrier to seeing the animals year-round. Guests will also be able to interact with the giraffes through feeding stations both inside the barn and outside on the African savanna. New restrooms will be ADA-accessible and include a universal changing table, plus a mother’s room and toddler seats. A new concessions area will address another guest need in the Africa section of the Zoo near the mid-point of the pathway loop.
The new habitat not only benefits Zoo guests but the animals themselves! The giraffes will be able to choose whether they want to spend their time inside or outside. Natural substrate and increased space inside the building and additional shade structures outside will ensure the giraffes are comfortable in both environments. The animal care team will also have easier ways to feed the giraffes and to provide them with the critical enrichment that keeps their bodies and minds healthy. The Zoo will also be expanding its partnership with global organizations that work to protect this endangered species in its native habitat, as well as adding a giraffe-themed curriculum to educational programming.
“There are currently five Masai giraffes in our care. They are such unique animals, and we want as many guests as possible to be able to see them, so we are thrilled to upgrade this area to offer viewing all year,” said Sean Putney, executive director/CEO of the KCZoo. “This will be the largest project that has been done in the Africa section since it opened in 1994.”
Construction of the new giraffe complex is scheduled to begin in February 2025. The KCZoo is inviting the public to “stand tall” and help make this project a reality as it reaches towards its $10 million fundraising goal. To learn more about the project and how to get involved, visit kansascityzoo.org/giraffe. The remainder of the $20 million project will be funded through the Zoological District.
