Where to see giraffes in France ?

Répartition des girafes en France

La girafe est un animal africain statué en danger critique dans la nature. Autrefois présente sur l'ensemble du continent africain, aujourd'hui elle a malheureusement disparu de la majorité du territoire. Les principales causes de sa disparition sont le braconnage et l'évolution de son habitat. En milieu naturel, il est encore possible de voir des girafes notamment dans les pays d'Afrique du Sud. En Afrique du Nord, elles se font beaucoup plus rares, mais il peut arriver d'en croiser. Afin d'assurer la conservation de cette espèce en voie de disparition, les établissements zoologiques du monde entier se sont associés. En France, on peut voir des girafes dans de nombreux établissements zoologiques. Tous les zoos ne présentent pas les mêmes girafes à ses visiteurs. Effectivement, sur le territoire français, 5 sous-espèces de girafes cohabitent. Il y a :

• The Angolan giraffe
• Rothschild's Giraffe
• The Cape Giraffe
• The Kordofan giraffe
• The reticulated giraffe

Since when can we see giraffes in France?

Since 1887 ! For the record, Zarafa was the very first giraffe to put on a hoof in France. At the time, it was a gift from the Pasha of Egypt, Mehemet Ali, made to the King of France, Charles X, during his visit. Since then, the presence of this animal in the country has not ceased to increase. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see giraffes in zoos in France. It is also one of the most observable wild animals in zoos. Which is not to displease children who adore this surprising animal with a long neck.

In total, in France, you can see giraffes in about forty zoological establishments. In captivity, giraffes usually live in groups of 5 to 10 individuals. This is much less than in natural habitat, but for good reason. They are animals that need a lot of space to live because of their impressive sizes. Keepers advise having at least 1 hectare of enclosure per group. But the most important thing about the enclosure is that it should be relatively flat. This species does not support elevation. Also, for them to be well in their habitat, giraffes need a lot of trees on the ground. Whether it is to feed on the leaves or to protect themselves from the shade, the trees are essential to them.

If the female giraffes and the little giraffes live together, the males are much more solitary. They tend to stay away from the main group during adolescence. However, it is still a very sociable animal. This is why in some zoological establishments in France, you can see giraffes in enclosures with other animals. For example, at the PAL our 4 Rothschild giraffes, Ela, Kumi and Tanisha and Mahengo, live in the company of other herbivorous animals. On the African plain, visitors can see giraffes living in harmony with white rhinos, Grevy's zebras, Cape elands, nyalas, and even ostriches. A beautiful landscape that reminds our animals of the African savannah.