Summary of Rafiki’s New Shoes – Brevard Zoo:
The content discusses the ongoing care provided to a 25-year-old bull giraffe named Rafiki, who is experiencing age-related health issues, particularly arthritis. Despite regular maintenance care, including chiropractic sessions, acupuncture, laser therapy, and hoof trims, Rafiki did not significantly improve. Experts from the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program (ZHTP) suggested placing custom “shoes” on Rafiki’s front hooves to provide better support and alleviate pressure. The shoes were created by tracing Rafiki’s feet and then gluing them. This process was voluntarily done by Rafiki, highlighting the importance of choice and control for the animals. The shoes can stay on for about 8 weeks before being replaced, and the director of animal programs has learned the process to continue providing care. Rafiki’s overall health is also being monitored, as he is also experiencing a lack of appetite and a decreasing body condition. The content ends by emphasizing the importance of community support for the Brevard Zoo to continue its animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Summary:
– Rafiki, a 25-year-old bull giraffe at Brevard Zoo, has been experiencing mobility issues due to arthritis and other age-related health issues.
– The zoo’s animal care team has provided Rafiki with various treatments, including chiropractic sessions, acupuncture, laser therapy, and regular hoof trims, but there hasn’t been significant improvement.
– As a solution, experts from the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program (ZHTP) suggested placing special custom “shoes” on Rafiki’s front hooves to provide better support and alleviate pressure.
– The shoes are made of polyethylene rubber and are designed to precisely fit each of Rafiki’s hooves.
– This process was voluntarily done by Rafiki, thanks to his training and the positive relationship with his animal care team.
Meet Rafiki, the 25-year-old bull giraffe at Brevard Zoo. Over the years, Rafiki has become a well-known and beloved resident, capturing the hearts of visitors with his gentle nature and towering presence. However, like humans, animals also face health challenges as they age. For Rafiki, arthritis and other age-related issues have been causing him discomfort and mobility problems.
To ensure Rafiki’s well-being, the zoo’s dedicated animal care team has provided him with ongoing care and treatments. These include regular chiropractic sessions, acupuncture, laser therapy, and regular hoof trims. Despite their best efforts, Rafiki’s keepers noticed that he was still experiencing significant discomfort in his left front hoof, affecting his mobility.
Determined to find a solution to help Rafiki, the zoo sought guidance from experts at the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program (ZHTP). Their recommendation? Special custom “shoes” for Rafiki’s hooves. This approach had successfully been used for other animals at the zoo, such as Antonio the Baird’s tapir and Iggy the Grevy’s zebra.
The special shoes, made of polyethylene rubber, offer Rafiki improved support and help alleviate the pressure on his hooves. They are custom-built to fit each of Rafiki’s hooves precisely, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. The shoe placement began with thorough hoof trims on both of Rafiki’s front feet. Like a nail cut for humans, these trims help shape the hooves and ensure a proper shoe fit.
Steve Foxworth, a skilled farrier from ZHTP, carried out the shoeing process, carefully traced Rafiki’s feet and built a shoe for each hoof. As a cooperative and well-trained giraffe, Rafiki willingly participated in the process. He calmly placed each foot onto the hoof trim block while his hooves were sanded and the shoes glued. To further secure the shoes, extra glue was applied around the outside.
One fascinating aspect of this entire experience is that Rafiki’s participation was entirely voluntary. The welfare of the animals at Brevard Zoo is of utmost importance, and allowing them to have choice and control in their lives is a core value. Through regular training and the establishment of positive relationships with their animal care team, animals like Rafiki gain the knowledge and confidence to participate willingly in various procedures, including placing these special shoes.
These custom shoes can remain on Rafiki’s hooves for approximately eight weeks before they need to be replaced. When removing them, Rafiki’s hooves will require trimming before the new shoes are applied. Lauren Hinson, the zoo’s director of animal programs, has learned the process from Steve at ZHTP, ensuring that Rafiki’s care can continue without interruption.
While everyone hopes that the shoes provide enough relief for Rafiki’s hooves to heal and become unnecessary, the animal care team at Brevard Zoo is prepared to offer him this care for the rest of his life. Rafiki also lacks appetite and has a decreasing body condition, so his care has transitioned into a hospice approach. The team is dedicated to monitoring his quality of life and providing him with the best possible physical, mental, and emotional health as he enters his golden years.
Stories like Rafiki’s highlight the extraordinary efforts made by zoos and their dedicated staff to ensure the well-being of their animal residents. Behind the scenes is a team of experts, caregivers, and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide the necessary care and attention to animals like Rafiki.
It’s important to remember that Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization. They do not receive recurring government funding for their operating costs. The support of generous individuals like you enables the zoo to continue serving the community and uphold its vital animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
So, next time you visit a zoo or wildlife preserve, take a moment to appreciate the exceptional work being done to enrich the lives of the animals. Behind every animal’s journey to better health are countless hours of dedication, skill, and compassion from the unsung heroes of the animal care world.
