Mahiri, a 16-year-old reticulated giraffe at Banham Zoo in Norfolk, learned to accept inhaled treatment voluntarily after three years of patient, gradual training. The zoo’s specially adapted system helps her receive respiratory support for a chronic nasal condition; it is a bespoke veterinary case, not a treatment method readers can reproduce.
Why does Mahiri need an inhaler?
Mahiri has a chronic nasal condition that makes breathing through her nostrils difficult. The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) reported in September 2025 that the condition was believed to be linked to an autoimmune disorder. That link was described as suspected, not confirmed. BIAZA’s account does not give a confirmed underlying diagnosis or quantified improvement in Mahiri’s breathing.
How did the zoo teach her to accept treatment?
Banham Zoo’s animal-care and veterinary teams worked with Mahiri over three years, building on earlier work with a nebuliser. They gradually familiarised her with treatment so she would accept it calmly and willingly, without sedation or restraint, according to BIAZA.
Deborah Harris, Banham Zoo’s animal manager, described the process as requiring patience and trust. She said keepers adjusted daily routines and worked at Mahiri’s pace to help her feel comfortable with unfamiliar medical equipment. Her account illustrates that the training was part of the treatment: Mahiri had to learn to cooperate with the delivery process rather than simply be fitted with a device.
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What inhaler and medicines does Mahiri use?
BIAZA reported that the system was specially adapted to Mahiri’s anatomy and clinical needs. The inhaled medicines named in its account are Salamol CFC-Free and Clenil Modulite 250. The account does not publish a full veterinary protocol or enough device details to replicate the setup.
BIAZA described Mahiri’s as the first inhaler delivery system used with a giraffe in the UK. That is a UK-specific claim attributed to the association and zoo; the reporting does not establish a worldwide first. BBC News also reported the claim as the zoo’s belief.
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What this case does—and does not—show
Mahiri’s story is evidence of a tailored approach for one giraffe, not proof that the same equipment or training protocol will work for other animals. The case report provides no measured respiratory outcomes and does not establish that the approach is standard veterinary practice. Questions about diagnosis, medication, device choice, and training for an animal belong with qualified veterinary professionals.
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