Did they use a real giraffe in The Last of Us Episode 9?
The Last of Us episode 9 may have been an action-packed, heart-breaking thrill ride – but it also featured a very adorable giraffe, and the good news is that the animal is all real.
In the episode, Joel and Ellie encounter a group of giraffes on their journey, and for some, it may be hard to believe that those beautiful creatures were not digitally created. However, HBO confirmed that they used real giraffes in the episode.
Here’s a breakdown of the real giraffes used in the episode and what you need to know about their involvement:
What type of giraffe were used?
The Last of Us episode 9 features a reticulated giraffe, also known as the Somali giraffe or the Somali Arabian giraffe. This breed of giraffe is the largest of all giraffe species, with males growing up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall and weighing over 2,800 pounds (1,270 kg).
Where were the giraffes sourced from?
According to reports, the giraffes used in the episode were provided by the Calgary Zoo, which has a breeding program for reticulated giraffes. The Calgary Zoo has been involved in conservation efforts for this breed and has successfully bred them in captivity.
Did they use real giraffe animals?
Yes, the show’s creators used real giraffes in the episode, but not throughout the entire scene. According to reports, the animals were only used for brief shots. The production team worked with animal handlers to train the giraffes and ensure their safety.
Here’s a timeline of what happened:
• The animals were brought in and set up in the desired location.
• Actors, including Joel and Ellie, would interact with the giraffes for short periods, usually around 1-2 minutes at a time.
• The trainers and handlers would then reset the animals and repeat the process.
• The shots were later composited together using visual effects to create a seamless and realistic scene.
Why did they choose to use real giraffes?
Using real giraffes added a touch of authenticity to the episode. The show’s creators wanted to create an immersive experience for viewers, and using real animals was an important part of achieving that goal. It also helped to create a sense of tension and danger as the characters interacted with the giraffes.
In addition, using real animals also helped to ensure the well-being and safety of the animals. The Calgary Zoo and animal handlers took great care in transporting and handling the animals to ensure their safety.
Here’s a summary of what you need to know:
- The Last of Us episode 9 used real reticulated giraffes from the Calgary Zoo.
- The giraffes were only used for brief shots, usually around 1-2 minutes at a time.
- The animals were handled by trainers and handlers, and their safety was paramount.
- Using real giraffes added authenticity to the episode and helped create a sense of tension and danger.
Overall, using real giraffes in The Last of Us episode 9 was a brave move that paid off, providing viewers with a more immersive and realistic experience.