On the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, there was a small population of Masai giraffes who were struggling for their survival due to human-wildlife conflict in the community land. The giraffe were losing their habitat rapidly, had lost access to the lake water due to farmland fences and urgently needed our help.
The sad reality is that not all human-wildlife conflict is because the people don’t like the wildlife; coexistence is simply too complicated in many circumstances.
Photo credit: Klein Ongaki / The Safari Collection
In February, Save Giraffes Now partnered with The Safari Collection, Giraffe Manor and Kenya Wildlife Service to relocate 21 of these giraffe to a safe and happier home. 9 were walked into nearby protected conservancies whilst 12 were translocated by truck to Loldia Farm.
It’s no easy feat to move giraffe, and the team of over 25 people did an incredible job! Some of the giraffe were in poor condition, with one having a deep spear wound, and another with a snare embedded in his leg. The relief we felt knowing these giraffe now had a chance to live freely in a safe and happy habitat was huge.
Photo credit: Klein Ongaki / The Safari Collection
Almost a month after this successful translocation – we are delighted to let you know that the giraffes are being spotted regularly in their new home and have been seen in small groups enjoying the wide array of acacia trees alongside the lake.
Photos credit: Renaldo Retief / Loldia Farm
Now more than ever, we realise the importance of conserving and protecting these gentle giants both within and outside of protected areas in Kenya, and all over Africa!
Giraffe Bottle has designed a limited edition bottle for Save Giraffes Now! A portion of every bottle’s sale goes directly to projects focusing on protecting key giraffe populations, and rewilding them to native habitats.
Save Giraffes Now has made great progress in our giraffe conservation efforts; however, there is much work left to do, and we need your help. Please join us in our fight to ensure giraffe can live freely and safely in their native Africa for generations to come.
