Tall order of fun: Giraffe Jasiri celebrates 20th birthday at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago recently marked a special milestone as reticulated giraffe Jasiri reached her 20th birthday, an impressive age that showcases the exceptional care provided at the facility. According to the press release, the beloved animal commemorated her big day with specially designed enrichment activities and an abundance of her favorite leafy greens. Born in 2005, Jasiri has spent nearly her entire life at the Chicago-area zoo, having arrived when she was just over a year old to become part of the facility's giraffe program.

The press release describes Jasiri as distinguished by her notably calm temperament, earning her recognition as the most tranquil member of her tower—the collective term for a group of giraffes. Interestingly, the company announced that despite her generally peaceful nature, Jasiri has developed a particular aversion to rainy weather, adding a charming personality quirk that endears her to both staff and visitors.

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Jasiri's 20th birthday represents a significant achievement in the context of giraffe longevity. According to A-Z Animals, giraffes live at least 25 years, some living closer to 30 in captivity, suggesting that Jasiri has potentially entered her senior years while still maintaining good health. This longevity reflects the quality of veterinary care and habitat management at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

The celebration highlights several fascinating characteristics of giraffes that make them unique among the world's wildlife. According to the zoo, these magnificent creatures hold the distinction of being the tallest land mammals on Earth, capable of reaching heights up to 18 feet; additionally, each giraffe possesses distinctive spot patterns that serve as individual identifiers, much like human fingerprints, making every animal completely unique. Their remarkable gray tongues, notably elongated, serve as specialized tools for grasping various foods, including leafy vegetation, fruits, and alfalfa hay.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago's commitment to giraffe conservation extends far beyond caring for individual animals like Jasiri. According to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, AZA-accredited zoos—known as Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction—are able to leverage audiences to assist with saving threatened animals in a global conservation effort. The press release notes that the institution has maintained its dedication to giraffe conservation since opening its doors in 1934, demonstrating nearly a century of species commitment.

Visitors eager to meet Jasiri and her companions can participate in the daily Giraffe Feeding Encounter during the summer months at Habitat Africa: The Savannah, where guests experience close interactions with these remarkable animals and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.