Alberta’s Wildlife Management Laws includes a list of controlled species.
There are provincial regulations for what animals you are allowed to own. In some cases there are also federal rules and municipal bylaws.
Can you own a giraffe in Alberta?
You can not own a giraffe (Family Giraffidae) in Alberta without a permit.
All giraffes are listed under the Alberta Controlled Animals list. This includes Okapi.
The Okapi (A.K.A Forest Giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe) is also part of the Giraffidae Family. Therefore, it is also illegal to own in Alberta.
Wildlife and Controlled Animals are generally only permitted by zoos and other animal protection agencies. A private citizen would not likely get approval to have a pet giraffe.
Alberta is a province that is very restrictive when it comes to wildlife management and nature preservation.
Getting approval for an exotic animal like a giraffe would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
In Summary
- You can not legally own a giraffe in Alberta without permits and special permissions.
- Some animals have a list of specific species that are controlled.
- In the case of giraffes, the entire Giraffidae Family is controlled. This includes Okapi.
- A list of exotic pets you are allowed to own in Alberta
