GIRAFFES AROUND THE GLOBE

What’s been going on in the world of giraffe conservation? Well, when we say ‘globe’, we actually mean Africa, as wild giraffes are only found on the African continent. There are four recognised species of giraffe and seven subspecies.

As the only organisation solely dedicated to the conservation of wild giraffes, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) are at the forefront of giraffe conservation and research. We support them through our Sponsorship Programme at Giraffe Manor, as 50% of every donation goes directly to GCF. Here’s a roundup of some of their latest news for 2022.

Baby twigas

Everyone loves a baby giraffe, or ‘twiga’ as we say in Swahili. But for populations of giraffes that have been translocated, babies are even more special as they’re a sign that their parents have settled well into their new habitats. That’s why the GCF were delighted to discover tiny twigas had been born to translocated giraffes in Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve in Niger as well as in Malawi’s Majete Wildlife Reserve. Babies have also recently been spotted in Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park. All positive signs of a successful conservation approach.

Moving to Mozambique

Down in the far south-east of the continent, GCF’s plan to bring giraffe back to Mozambique is taking shape. Their dream is to re-establish southern giraffe within their historic range and over the next five years they plan to translocate 350 giraffes to four protected areas: Zinave and Banhine National Parks, Maputo Special Reserve and Karingani Game Reserve. Preparations are already underway, with the tagging of seven giraffes in Karingani Game Reserve. Fitted with state-of-the-art satellite tracking systems, the idea is to use their data to help better prepare for the arrival of other giraffes to come. If successful, the project will open up over three million acres of prime giraffe habitat and more than double their numbers.

Conservation works best in partnership

That’s why the CGF have recently partnered up with The Wildlife Foundation (TWF) which is dedicated to conserving Kenya’s wildlife dispersal areas. Together with TWF, GCF support twice-monthly game counts in the Athi Kapiti Ecosystem just south of Nairobi National Park. This includes photographing every giraffe spotted, helping to build up a species database.

Other established GCF partnerships in Kenya include the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and of course us, The Safari Collection.

A range meeting facilitated by GCF earlier this year for Masai, Nubian and Reticulated giraffe saw stakeholders share experiences and track progress so far. In Malawi, a new partnership between the GCF and Malawian government has been signed and a National Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan is underway there.

We’re so glad that these iconic African animals are getting the attention they deserve. Together, we STAND TALL for giraffes in the fight to save this threatened mammal.