Giraffe

The current giraffe population is estimated to be less than 110,000 - about 1/4 of the number of African elephants.

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A group of giraffes on a truck
A giraffe running through a field
A sunset behind giraffes
A giraffe's face
A baby giraffe following an adult giraffe
A group of giraffes

Giraffe are one of the most recognized and beloved animals on the planet. Surprisingly, their numbers are declining across Africa, and the population has decreased by around 30% in the last 15 years. Poaching, habitat loss, and disease continue to threaten existing giraffe populations. In partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) we are working to secure a future for all giraffe by supporting giraffe population studies, protection and education efforts, and innovative research to better understand giraffe ecology, genetics, conservation and management.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

In partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), we are working to secure a future for giraffe by supporting giraffe population studies, protection and education efforts, and innovative research to better understand giraffe ecology, genetics, conservation and management.

GCF East African Giraffe Coordinator

  • The GCF East African Giraffe Coordinator works cooperatively with regional partners to provide the first-ever focal point for giraffe research and conservation across the region. In just a few years, this  has facilitated the development of the first-ever National Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan in Uganda, the establishment of dedicated giraffe Working Groups in Kenya and draft of the first-ever National Country Profile of giraffe in Tanzania.

Protecting Threatened Nubian Giraffe in Uganda

  • In the past three years 17 giraffe were moved from an area threatened by oil drilling, to a more secure location in the south end of Murchison Falls National Park, and 15 were translocated to create a second sub-population in Lake Mburo National Park in south western Uganda.

Investigating an Emerging Giraffe Skin Disease

  • The Zoo is collaborating with GCF, Michigan State University, and other partners to investigate an emerging giraffe skin disease and the potential threats it may present to giraffe populations. This work is the first collaborative and large scale investigation into this disease and its potential impacts.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

  • Learn more about how you can take action and make a difference for giraffe and other wildlife.

PARTNERS

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