The Bedford Estates, London
Casper the giraffe
Casper is the male Nubian giraffe at Woburn Safari Park and is easily identifiable due to his impressive height. He was born on 9th December 2003 at Owuehand Zoo in the Netherlands and moved to Woburn in June 2009.
Casper has several bony bumps on his head, which are actually calcium deposits. These form a natural armour, protecting the skull and helping to strengthen the impact when bulls “neck” with one another. The development of these calcium deposits is linked to testosterone levels.
A long-time favourite among reserve staff, Casper is a calm giraffe who often approaches keepers and VIP guests to be hand-fed specially selected browse, including leaves, twigs, and branches. His success as a breeding male is vital to the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), helping to strengthen the healthy captive population of this critically endangered species.
Nubian giraffe
Woburn Safari Park is home to a large herd of Nubian giraffe which can be seen at Giraffe Junction, in the Road Safari before entering the African Forest section.