AZH : Message: RE: [AZH] giraffe exhibit

Nancy,

Having plants with animals and in exhibits is never a bad idea - sometimes it is a challenge and creative solutions should be encouraged.

Black locust is indeed listed as a toxic plant You could try some of the spreading types of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) as they are non toxic as far as I know. Check the variety 'Skyline'. However, please be diligent and check whether this tree has potential for seeding itself where you are and could potentially become an invasive plant. Your climate is not dissimilar to Seattle (a bit warmer) and it will grow here but it does not get hot enough in summer to allow this plant to really thrive. But it could work for you.

We have trees on our savanna with giraffe and what we have done is put 8-12" rocks half buried in the soil around the tree out to the drip line. They are placed close enough together to deter giraffe from approaching the trees. The exhibit has been in place for over 25 years so it seems to work. Let me know if you want me to send you photographs.

David Selk

Woodland Park Zoo

From: AZH@... [mailto:AZH@...] On Behalf Of nnshape
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2008 3:18 PM
To: AZH@...
Subject: [AZH] giraffe exhibit

hi guys,

This is my first question, any input will be greatly appreciated.

I have the perfect place to plant three large canopy type trees or
shrubs in our giraffe exhibit. The trees will have time to grow to 10
feet before the animals can reach them. At maturity they will cast
shade in the front of the exhibit for the animals. The keepers say I am
crazy, that the giraffe will mow them down. I say it is worth a try to
give the animals shade and forage. Any suggestions, also any
suggestions about plant material. I am zone 9b with lots of rain.
Black loqust, Robinia pseudoacacia would be exacly the shape and
foliage type but I think I have seen it on a few toxicity list. Any
suggestion? ALL INPUT WELCOME, and if this is a bad idea like the
keepers say, don't hold back.

Thank you in advance,
nancy

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hi guys, This is my first question, any input will be greatly appreciated. I have the perfect place to plant three large canopy type trees or shrubs in our...

nnshape

Jan 9, 2008
11:17 pm

OKC Zoo has mature trees in the giraffe exhibit, done by having huge boulders placed in rings serving as a raised planter, with the tree in the center so the...

Johnson Bridgwater
johnsonbridg...

Jan 9, 2008
11:27 pm

Nancy, Having plants with animals and in exhibits is never a bad idea - sometimes it is a challenge and creative solutions should be encouraged. Black locust...

David Selk
david.selk@...

Jan 9, 2008
11:42 pm

Thanks, Great input. If you have a picture of the rock barrier you could share, it would be great. Thanks again _____ From: David Selk...

Nancy Tarver
nnshape

Jan 10, 2008
3:55 pm

Thanks, I will look at your zoo website to find a picture, but it you have one handy you do not mind sharing please forward. Thanks again nancy _____ From:...

Nancy Tarver
nnshape

Jan 10, 2008
3:59 pm

Hi nancy, Contact: ppearson@... to get a picture or more specific info. Pearl is the curator of horticulture. Johnson Nancy Tarver <ntarver@...>...

Johnson Bridgwater
johnsonbridg...

Jan 10, 2008
4:26 pm

Hi Nancy, and thanks Johnson. Attached is a photo of tree and giraffe living happily together at the OKC Zoo - works in rhino exhibits too. Tree has been in...

Pearl Pearson
pearlatokczoo

Jan 11, 2008
7:47 pm

Hi Nancy, I have been looking into trees for our new Giraffe exhibit. I have spoken with people at Arid Zone Trees, http://www.aridzonetrees.com/index.htm in...

renee_towan

Jan 10, 2008
4:29 pm

I think it's a great idea! We give Robinia pseudoacacia to our giraffes as browse plant for a long time, and they don't have had any problem of toxicity. It's...

Bohigas, Eulalia
ebohigas2000

Jan 10, 2008
4:23 pm

This looks great!! What variety of tree did you use? I cannot tell from the picture. _____ From: Pearl Pearson [mailto:pearl_okc_zoo@...] Sent:...

Nancy Tarver
nnshape

Jan 11, 2008
8:34 pm

This is a shumard's red oak. Not African in appearance but very tough. I've used Gleditsia before but it does not appear to hold up as a good tree specimen for...

Pearl Pearson
pearlatokczoo

Jan 11, 2008
9:03 pm

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