Jabari (Courtesy of Zoo Boise)
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) —According to a recent news release, Zoo Boise is taking a proactive approach to giraffe care, particularly for Jabari, the zoo’s 16-year-old aging male giraffe, through a comprehensive health evaluation planned in late July.
Jabari is showing some common signs of aging, including arthritis and slower mobility, and this exam will provide a more complete understanding of his health and help ensure he receives the best possible care as he grows older. The upcoming procedure will include a physical examination, blood work, radiographs of his limbs, hoof reshaping and more.
Preparation also includes modifications to the giraffe habitat. Guests may have noticed mesh, poles and padding being installed within portions of the habitat. These additions are designed to help create a safer environment for the procedure.
To allow staff to conduct the exam, the Africa section of Zoo Boise will be closed for several days during the week of July 20, 2026. While the exam is focused on Jabari, both giraffes will remain behind the scenes during the procedure and recovery period. Tafari, Zoo Boise’s 10-year-old giraffe, is not scheduled for this exam and will continue receiving normal routine care.
