The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is building a new “spot” for giraffes expected to open in May 2026.
The new giraffe habitat or complex will bring upgrades including year-round indoor viewing of the giraffes, a giraffe feeding experience, and updated amenities in the 30-year-old Africa section of the Zoo. The project, designed by TESSERE and brought to life by general contractor JE Dunn Construction, will allow Zoo guests to be nose-to-nose with the tallest land animals in the world and learn more about this endangered species.
The current layout of the giraffe habitat and behind-the-scenes barn severely limits the number of days the animals can be seen by zoo visitors as viewing is highly dependent on weather conditions.
The new complex will feature a large indoor giraffe habitat directly attached to the outdoor yards so weather will no longer be a barrier. Guests will also be able to interact with the giraffes through feeding stations both inside the barn and outside on the African savanna.
The new habitat will allow the giraffes to choose whether they want to spend their time inside or outside.
“There are currently five Masai giraffes in our care. They are such unique animals, and we want as many guests as possible to be able to see them, so we are thrilled to upgrade this area to offer viewing all year,” says Sean Putney, executive director/CEO of the KCZoo. “This will be the largest project that has been done in the Africa section since it opened in 1994.”