Use of Thiafentanil (A3080), Medetomidine, and Ketamine for anesthesia of captive and free-ranging giraffe (giraffa Camelopardalis)
Giraffe anesthesia remains a major challenge due to their unique anatomy and physiology, which predisposes them to life-threatening, anesthesia-related complications. Historical verbal and published reports describe the use of several drugs and drug combinations for giraffe anesthesia. The most widely used anesthetic regimens have involved use of opioids alone or in combination with sedatives (e.g., […]
The immobilization and capture of giraffe
A technique for the immobilization and capture of giraffe is described. Drug dosages for field release and for translocation have also been determined and are discussed.
Collared!
North-western Namibia is a spectacular land of desert mountains, gorges, plains, and ephemeral rivers, and a land of stark beauty and seemingly inhospitable wilderness. It was here that the wildlife vet and capture expert Michael D. Kock came to help attach satellite collars to desert-dwelling elephants and giraffes so that their movements in their vast […]
Observations on field immobilization of free-ranging giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) using carfentanil and xylazine
This report describes immobilization techniques used in free-living giraffes for studies of reproductive physiology and ecology. The ecological studies involved minor manipulation for blood sampling and radio-collaring, and a quiet sedated giraffe in lateral recumbency was required. The reproductive studies required anesthesia for semen collection by electroejaculation.