From Horses to Giants, Landmark Procedure Performed on Giraffe

Woburn Safari Park has successfully carried out a rare and complex surgical procedure on one of its tallest residents, Sahara the Nubian giraffe. The operation, performed in early October, marks a first for the Park and highlights the extraordinary care and expertise behind the scenes.

Sahara had developed a rare kneecap condition ‘locking stifle’ that caused her leg to lock, severely limiting her mobility and posing long-term health risks. With no precedent for this condition in giraffes, surgery became the only option and a high-risk one.

“This was one of the most complex cases we’ve tackled. With no precedent in giraffes, we adapted a technique used in horses to stabilise Sahara’s joint and give her the best chance of recovery.” - Nathalie Wissink-Argilaga, Head Veterinarian at Woburn Safari Park.

Operating on a giraffe is a significant challenge. At nearly 500kg, Sahara’s unique anatomy made anaesthesia unpredictable, and lying down for extended periods can cause life-threatening complications in giraffes. To minimise risk, the veterinary team prepared a deep hay bed, supported Sahara’s neck with a wooden board, and used blindfolds and earplugs to reduce stress. Keepers massaged her neck throughout the hour-long procedure to maintain circulation, a critical step for an animal not designed to lie down. The surgery involved a minimally invasive tendon-splitting technique to prevent the joint from locking, adapted from equine medicine. The specialist team included Woburn’s zoo vets, an equine surgeon and imager from Rossdales Equine Hospital, a veterinary anaesthetist from Cambridge Vet School, and Woburn’s dedicated animal keeper team.

Following her surgery, Sahara was quickly back on her feet - a moment of joy for the dedicated veterinary and keeper teams who supported her throughout. Her recovery continues to progress well, with careful monitoring of her movement, behaviour, and rest.

Thanks to the expertise and commitment of the team, Sahara has returned to her familiar, confident self. The procedure marks an important step in ensuring her long‑term wellbeing and may inform future approaches to giraffe joint care.

Find out how you can support giraffe care and conservation at Woburn Safari Park.