Extinction is a threat that grows closer for giraffes every year.
Over the past three decades, the giraffe population has declined by nearly 40%, and several subspecies are now clinging to existence with only a few thousand individuals remaining.
Some giraffe subspecies, such as the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes, have lost more than 90% of their numbers and could disappear within our lifetime if the threats continue.
The question of giraffes going extinct depends on the actions taken today.
Save Giraffes Now is working across Africa to secure a future for these animals. Our projects to protect giraffes include rescuing calves, removing snares, reintroducing giraffes into safe habitats, and helping communities that share the land with them.
Key Takeaways
- Giraffes global population has dropped by nearly 40% in the last 30 years and extinction is a serious threat.
- Some subspecies, like the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes, are Critically Endangered and face the highest risk of extinction.
- Habitat loss, poaching, human conflict, and climate change are the main threats driving their decline.
- Save Giraffes Now is leading efforts across ten African countries to rescue, reintroduce, and protect giraffes through on-the-ground projects and community partnerships.
What Does Going Extinct Really Mean?
When a species goes extinct, it means there are no living individuals left anywhere in the world. Extinction is a permanent state that signals the end of a species’ role in its ecosystem. While giraffes are not extinct, several subspecies are so few in number that their survival is far from secure.
Conservationists use different categories to explain how close a species is to extinction. These include Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered.
Giraffes as a whole are listed as Vulnerable, but some subspecies fall into the more severe categories. The closer a population moves toward Critically Endangered, the greater the risk that it could vanish in our lifetime.
Which Giraffes Are Closest to Extinction?
As mentioned earlier, giraffes aren’t all under threat in the same way. The IUCN now recognizes four distinct giraffe species, each with its own conservation status:
Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
- West African giraffe (G. c. peralta)
- Kordofan giraffe (G. c. antiquorum)
- Nubian giraffe (G. c. camelopardalis)
Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata)
Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi)
- Masai giraffe (G. t. tippelskirchi)
- Luangwa/Thornicroft’s giraffe (G. t. thornicrofti)
Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa)
- South African giraffe (G. g. giraffa)
- Angolan giraffe (G. g. angolensis)
These differences show that giraffe survival is not a single narrative. Some groups are still holding on, while others are in immediate danger of extinction.
What Would the World Lose if Giraffes Went Extinct?
The loss of giraffes would be felt far beyond their disappearance from the African landscape.
These animals play an important role in the health of savannas and woodlands. By feeding on tall trees, they shape vegetation and create space for smaller plants to grow. Their movements also disperse seeds over long distances, helping new plants establish themselves and strengthening biodiversity.
Without giraffes, entire ecosystems would be severely impacted.
Communities would also feel the impact. Giraffes are a major attraction for eco-tourism, which provides jobs and income for many people across Africa and a decline in giraffe populations threatens not only wildlife but also the families who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.
The cultural impact is just as real. Giraffes are one of the world’s most recognisable animals. Losing them would mean losing an icon of Africa’s natural heritage and an irreplaceable connection between people and the wild.
Can Giraffes Be Saved from Extinction?
Yes, giraffes can still be saved.
While their numbers have fallen in many regions, conservation programs are showing real results. Rescue missions have saved calves caught in snares. Translocation projects have relocated giraffes into safer habitats, where they can establish stable populations. In places like Burkina Faso, Guinea, Eritrea, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal, where giraffe populations had dwindled close to extinction, reintroduction efforts have successfully brought them back.
Policy changes also play a role. Proposals to list giraffes under stronger international protections, such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act, bring increased attention to their decline and encourage governments to take action. When combined with local community work, these policies provide an additional layer of protection that can make a lasting difference.
Together We Can Stop Giraffe Extinction
Giraffes are not extinct, but their future is uncertain. Populations have declined across Africa, and several subspecies are now on the brink of extinction. The work to protect them cannot wait.
Save Giraffes Now is on the front lines of this effort. Across ten African countries, the organisation rescues injured giraffes, removes deadly snares, and reintroduces giraffes into protected habitats. Teams work with local rangers to keep poachers away and support communities with water and resources that reduce conflict with wildlife. These projects are already saving lives and proving that change is possible.
The fight against extinction depends on support from people who care. Every donation helps expand rescue programs, strengthen anti-poaching patrols, and provide communities with the tools they need to coexist with giraffes.
Donate now and help protect these gentle giants from extinction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will giraffes go extinct?
Giraffes are not extinct, but several subspecies are at serious risk. The Nubian and Kordofan giraffes are listed as Critically Endangered and could disappear without strong protection. With continued conservation efforts, extinction can be prevented.
How many more giraffes are left?
There are fewer than 117,000 giraffes left in the wild today. This is a sharp drop from past numbers, with nearly 40 per cent of the global population lost over the last 30 years.
How many giraffes are left in 2025?
As of 2025, estimates indicate that the wild giraffe population is under 117,000. While this may sound like a large number, it is relatively small compared to historical populations, highlighting the need for urgent action.
How can we help save giraffes?
You can support giraffe conservation by donating to organisations like Save Giraffes Now, raising awareness, choosing responsible eco-tourism, and backing policies that protect wildlife. Every contribution, big or small, helps keep giraffes from sliding closer to extinction.