Giraffe left with massive crick in neck

A young giraffe has been left with a massive crick in its neck after being injured as it was transported between zoos in the United States.

Five-year-old Amali got a hook in its neck as it made the 3000km journey from Ohio to Arizona, according to the Associated Press.

Zookeepers are mystified as to how the 3.3m tall giraffe was left with the crick but Tulsa Zoo veterinarian Kay Backues said the animal isn't showing any sign of pain.

"When Amali the giraffe walked off the trailer into her new home she could walk, eat and manoeuvre normally," Dr Backues said.

"We are using medications a human might use if they strained their neck or back, such as non-steroidal ant-inflammatories similar to ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, pain relievers (analgesics) and a vitamin supplement."

An x-ray will determine whether Amali has broken her neck but zoo staff are hopeful the crick will fix itself.