Twiga Zoomo

Twenty-five years. Twiga the giraffe graced the Toronto Zoo for an incredible twenty-five years. She was a beloved resident, captivating visitors with her towering height and gentle nature. Twiga Zoomo was her home, a specially designed exhibit within the Toronto Zoo. It opened in 2014, offering over 4,370 square meters of space. Twiga wasn’t alone. She shared the exhibit with her calf, Mstari, born in 2013. The exhibit was innovative, boasting three paddocks and an observation deck with an elevated viewing platform. Visitors could even enjoy a daily Keeper Talk at 2:00 pm and pick up a souvenir at the Twiga Duka Market Bazaar. Twiga, a Masai giraffe, represented the tallest land mammal on Earth. Males of her species can reach a stunning 5.5 meters tall. Twiga herself likely reached the impressive female height of 4.3 meters. Imagine her reaching high into the gunite tree within her enclosure, her 46 cm tongue expertly stripping leaves from the thorny acacia branches. A giraffe like Twiga could eat up to 34 kg of food per day, fueling her massive frame. Despite their size, giraffes sleep very little, around 20 minutes a day. Twiga, even at her advanced age, was a testament to the longevity of her species, exceeding the average 25-year lifespan in the wild. She left a legacy at Twiga Zoomo, mothering nine calves during her time there. Twiga’s story ended in February 2025. After a period of declining health, she collapsed in her habitat. The difficult decision was made to euthanize her. Though her physical presence is gone, her memory continues to inspire. Twiga’s long life at Twiga Zoomo reminds us of the importance of conservation and the impact a single animal can have on so many.