Foot shape and radiographs of free-ranging Nubian giraffe in Uganda.
Authors: Dadone Liza, Foxworth Steve, Aruho Robert, Schilz Amy, Joyet Andrea, Barrett Myra, Morkel Peter, Crooks Garrett, Fennessy Julian, Johnston Matthew S
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Foot Health in Free-Ranging Giraffe: A Baseline for Understanding Captive Foot Pathology Whilst foot lameness represents a significant welfare concern in captive giraffe populations, little research has documented the foot anatomy and pathology of animals in their natural habitat. Dadone and colleagues radiographed and physically examined the feet of 27 young adult Nubian giraffe during a translocation in Uganda, establishing baseline morphological data and prevalence of radiographic abnormalities against which zoo populations might be compared. Free-ranging giraffe demonstrated a distinctly concave sole with weight-bearing distributed peripherally along the hoof wall and sole edge rather than across the entire plantar surface, coupled with remarkably low pathology rates: only 12.5% showed pedal osteitis, a single animal had sesamoid bone cysts, and notably, none exhibited P3 joint osteoarthritis, P3 rotation, or P3 fractures—findings that starkly contrast with published prevalence data from zoo populations. The consistent positive palmar/plantar angle (1.6–4.3°) with thicker heel sole than toe sole suggests an anatomically distinct foot conformation in wild giraffe compared to their captive counterparts. For practitioners and managers involved in giraffe care, these findings highlight qualitative differences in foot health between free-ranging and zoo animals, implying that current husbandry practices may inadvertently predispose captive animals to lameness; identifying which environmental, nutritional, or management factors drive these differences should now become a priority to improve welfare outcomes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This study provides baseline data on normal giraffe foot anatomy and minimal pathology in free-ranging animals, establishing a reference for identifying foot problems in captive giraffe
- •Zoo giraffe experience higher foot pathology rates than free-ranging animals, indicating that husbandry and environmental factors (surface, space, movement) likely contribute to foot disease
- •Further investigation into specific husbandry modifications could reduce lameness and foot disease in captive giraffe populations
Key Findings
- •Free-ranging Nubian giraffe demonstrate low prevalence of foot pathologies (3/24 with pedal osteitis, 1/24 with sesamoid cysts, 0/24 with P3 osteoarthritis or fractures)
- •Free-ranging giraffe feet have a concave sole with weight-bearing primarily along the foot periphery and a positive palmar/plantar angle of 1.6-4.3°
- •Radiographic and foot shape characteristics differ qualitatively between free-ranging and zoo giraffe, suggesting husbandry factors may influence foot health