| The surface body temperatures of four reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) housed at Niabi Zoo were taken at seven different body regions (fore- and hind-ankle, thigh, shoulder, middle of the torso, lower part of neck, and top part of the neck) using an infrared (Professional Equipment T3750 Series) infrared thermometer. Data were collected on multiple days over nine months to examine the wide range of ambient air temperatures these animals encounter in their indoor and outdoor exhibits. Between 195 and 203 surface body temperatures were taken on each giraffe. Surface body temperatures were taken in 15 minute intervals by aiming the laser beam at an each body region and recording the surface body temperature for each giraffe, along with the ambient air temperature.;The greatest difference in surface body temperatures occurred among body regions within an individual giraffe, indoor versus the outdoor areas of their exhibit, by season, and by time of day. A strong, positive correlation was found between all surface body temperatures at all body regions and ambient air temperatures. These data and other research suggest giraffes may be adapted to lose heat during the cool nights and gradually absorb ambient heat during warm days. This is essential information that will improve the understanding of giraffes and allow zookeepers to provide better care for them in the future. |
