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On Wednesday, September 11th, “Garbanzo,” a male giraffe that was born at Zoo Miami on November 19th, 2022, was immobilized in preparation for his transfer to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facility. As part of the immobilization, several procedures were performed in accordance with a carefully planned and managed preventative medicine program.
The main purpose of the immobilization was to neuter Garbanzo. As with domestic cats and dogs, spaying and neutering are important tools in managing exotic animals under human care. Two major factors played a role in the decision to neuter Garbanzo. First, his genes are already well-represented in zoos throughout the country, so there is no need for him to reproduce. Secondly, he will be introduced to a herd that includes intact males whose genes are not as well represented. Neutering helps to eliminate possible aggression with intact males while also helping to ensure that offspring that may be produced within the herd are only sired by the males with the less represented genes.
Immobilizing a giraffe is one of the most challenging and risky procedures in veterinary medicine. Doing so requires the work of an experienced team of professionals with everyone playing a critical role. Various procedures are done simultaneously to minimize the time that the animal is under anesthesia. They include the collection of blood, trimming of the hooves, administration of vaccines and vitamins, and an overall general wellness exam. While under anesthesia, mechanical massagers are used to stimulate blood flow with concentration on various pressure points. Since neutering is a surgical procedure, Garbanzo also received antibiotics and pain medications to help keep him comfortable during recovery.
Today, Garbanzo is back with the Zoo Miami herd and appears to be doing very well while eating and acting normally.
Zoo Miami has contributed thousands of dollars to giraffe conservation projects in Africa and continues to support those projects through the Zoo Miami Conservation Fund.
Photo Credit Ron Magill/Zoo Miami
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