Giraffe learns to use inhaler in UK-first

A giraffe at a zoo in the east of England has learnt to use an inhaler, in what is believed to be a UK-first for the species.

Keepers at Banham Zoo in Norfolk, spent three years teaching Mahiri to use the specially adapted device to help clear her airways and allow her to breathe more easily.

While the 16-year-old reaches for food in a box, staff are able to turn on her inhalers in the same container.

According to the Zoo, this new treatment could help other giraffes around the world.

How does a giraffe use an inhaler?

Mahiri has a nasal condition which means that breathing through her nostrils can be difficult.

Staff at Banham Zoo came up with a specially designed inhaler to see if it could help Mahiri with her breathing, but keepers knew it wasn't going to be an easy task.

"Giraffe as a species can be quite nervous of anything new, so introducing medical equipment takes enormous patience and trust-building," explained animal manager Deborah Harris.

For three years, the zoo's animal care teams worked slowly to gently train Mahiri to accept treatment voluntarily.

And their efforts paid off, as Mahiri showed an "extraordinary level of trust" and now uses the new inhaler "calmly and willingly".

Ms Harris added that the fact that Mahiri happily uses her inhaler shows a real "bond between her and her care team".