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Meet Mshangao

April 21, 2019

Meet Mshangao

- as seen by -

Joe Nappi Joe Nappi

Mshangao is a three-year-old giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) that recently arrived at WCS’s Bronx Zoo from the Indianapolis Zoo and will be the zoo’s new breeding male. Currently, Mshangao is getting used to his new home, the zookeeper staff, and our giraffe herd.

As a prey species, giraffes are naturally very cautious and skittish animals. They are constantly standing vigil for danger. In the wild, giraffes will only sleep an average of 30 minutes a night and break that up into less than one minute power naps. As the world’s tallest mammal, other prey species such as antelope and zebra often congregate around giraffes that will be the first ones to spot impending danger.

While they may be skittish, giraffes are adept at defending themselves. One kick from their powerful back hooves can easily break a lion’s neck. And while they may look awkward at first glance, giraffes are quite graceful and can run at speeds of 35 miles per hour.

Due to their flighty nature, much of the training that Bronx Zoo keepers do with our giraffe herd involves desensitizing them to new things. Mshangao, which is the Swahili word for surprise, is settling in nicely and will be a dynamic new addition to the zoo’s breeding program.

EDITOR’ S NOTE: The story of this giraffe was featured on Sunday’s episode of Animal Planet’s THE ZOO now in its third season. The series takes viewers behind the scenes at the Bronx Zoo and the other WCS wildlife parks in New York City to tell powerful, compelling stories of animals and their care givers, and the zoos’ contribution to conserving wildlife around the globe.

Nikon D5


Bronx, US Map It

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24 comments

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Jessica
November 4, 2019 at 8:28 pm

I saw on your show The Zoo that Mshangao paints. I want to buy his paintings to help your zoo. Is that possible?

Steven Bass
December 14, 2019 at 7:27 am

We saw your show and wanted to ask about his paintings and how to purchase one.

WCS Wild View
December 16, 2019 at 11:05 am

Thank you for your interest. Your information has been given to the people who might help with your request.

Cindy Theriot
March 1, 2020 at 3:28 pm

How can I buy Mshangao‘s art work?

    WCS Wild View
    March 3, 2020 at 9:39 am

    Thanks for reaching out. Your details have been given to the people who might help with your request.

Lori Mauldin
June 9, 2020 at 4:28 pm

I would love to buy one of Mshango’s paintings. How can I do that?

    WCS Photo Blog
    June 10, 2020 at 10:02 am

    Hi Lori

    Your interest and information in Mshangao’s painting has been sent along to the appropriate people.

    Thank you!

Doris Middleton Liverman
July 11, 2020 at 11:41 am

I have had the opportunity to spend visual time on TV during 4 months of isolation due to the virus. At 89 years of age I getting interesting facts about what it takes to run a successful zoo. Love the babies. Also grateful to see the love expressed for all the animals.

Tracy A Bond
July 12, 2020 at 6:10 am

I’d love to purchase one of Mshangao’s paintings! Could you tell me how I could purchase one?
Thanks!

WCS Wild View
July 29, 2020 at 12:28 pm

Thanks for your request. Your details were sent along to people who can help.

Erick Thacker
August 9, 2020 at 2:41 pm

I saw that Mshangao paints on the show “The Zoo.” Is it possible to purchase one of his paintings and if so how? Thanks!

WCS Wild View
August 10, 2020 at 10:38 am

Thanks so much for your interest. Your details have been passed along to the people that might be able to help with your request.

Kim
January 23, 2021 at 10:37 am

I would love to buy a painting by your adorable artist Mshangao if possible? Thank you!,

carol zwarych
January 26, 2021 at 1:31 pm

would like info on how to buy Mshango paintings
thank you

Zack Roza
February 28, 2021 at 2:28 am

Are Mshangaos paintings still available? I would love to purchase a couple if so! Please respond 🤞🏼

Jane Usero
March 13, 2021 at 12:36 pm

I recently watched a program that showed Mshangao making paintings. Are these still available for purchase?

Ann Streharsky
March 13, 2021 at 1:08 pm

I would love to buy one of Mshangao’s paintings. Can someone let me know how to do this. I also want to thank everyone at the zoo for all the great stories, they have help so much being stuck at home.
Thanks,
Ann

Christen
March 27, 2021 at 7:30 pm

I would like to buy a Mshangao painting where can I get one?

Annette Allec
September 18, 2021 at 1:30 pm

I would love to purchase one of Mshangao’s paintings if possible.

Kimberly Radford
November 21, 2021 at 12:07 am

I really enjoy watching ‘The Zoo’ and Bronx Zoo is a fave. I love the giraffes…especially Mshangao. I just can’t understand why they would let a rich donor change his name from something with real meaning in the language of giraffe origin to a silly name like Jigsaw! Was the donor 7 yrs old?

    C james
    February 27, 2022 at 7:38 am

    Well? What’s the answer? How much does a kid’s parent have to donate to change a prestigious name to a little kids whim?

Presley Garcia
February 26, 2022 at 12:19 am

Where can I buy one of his paintings? I saw this on the zoo show..

Jacqueline Henderson
September 28, 2022 at 8:46 pm

I’d like to purchase the art your beautiful giraffe made but I can’t find any links. Thank you in advance. Love the show, I’m watching it now!

    WCS Photo Blog
    September 30, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    Thanks for your interest. Your information has been sent on to those that can help with your request.