Giraffe PEMF Study
Taking care of Jimmy
B Bryan Preserve is currently conducting a study to determine the benefits of Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy in giraffe.
One of the giraffe bulls that calls BBP home, Jimmy, is currently receiving the therapy twice a week by staff. When Jimmy was a calf, one of the adult giraffe in his herd accidentally stepped hard on his small hoof and fractured one of his toe bones. Over time his body reabsorbed the fractured bone, and radiographs today show that Jimmy’s end toe bone is completely missing. Jimmy’s comfort is monitored very closely by staff, and he receives weekly voluntary hoof trims to help his compromised hoof support his now 3,000 lb and 17ft tall body! Jimmy is a very charismatic, big personality giraffe, who loves training sessions with the animal care staff.
Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is often used in domestic horses, but experts have recently adapted a system for giraffe. In 2023, Jimmy was the second giraffe to try a PEMF therapy session, and the first giraffe to receive the treatment voluntarily (not under sedation). The equipment paddles are held at the trouble area for ~20 minutes where it sends out pulses of magnetic energy. The therapy produces anti-inflammatory and bone healing effects, as well as aids in cellular regeneration. BBP was able to purchase this equipment thanks to many donations, and started treatment at the start of 2025. Several metrics are being used to record his progress, including observing his posture at rest, gait while walking, frequency of lying down, weekly hoof photos and thermal images by our veterinarian, and twice yearly radiographs.