In June the SGN team were back in Kenya to make progress on several of our giraffe conservation efforts with our Kenyan partners … and two special guest stars! More on them later….
Kenya is one of the most important countries we work in, because it is the only country in Africa that is home to three of the four species of giraffe – Maasai, Northern, and Reticulated – all three of which are considered Endangered or worse.
I am happy to report that we made great strides on several fronts on our field operations:
SGN met with our close collaborator Raabia Hawa and also the magistrate of one of the counties in NE Kenya where giraffe poaching is very high. We have begun a project with them to assist the judiciary in fairly trying cases against arrested poachers so as to increase the likelihood of convictions when the poacher is guilty. This will help close a massive loophole in making sure poachers are brought to justice and kept in jail for more than a night or two!
Thanks to SGN Field Researcher Aggrey we were able to provide hard data on giraffe road crossing mortalities and a map of these hotspots to the regional Athi-Kapiti Plains conservation organization and other official authorities in order to kick-start the installation of giraffe/wildlife crossings at the hotspot areas. SGN’s efforts on this are proving vital in getting these crossings established ASAP to stop giraffe being needlessly killed.
SGN launched an exciting new giraffe conservation project in Tsavo West National Park with the wonderful Finch Hattons, a luxury tented camp. We trained the Finch Hattons team and provided equipment that will allow their guides and community members to gather giraffe conservation data on the endangered Maasai giraffe in their area. Excitingly, Finch Hattons guests can also pitch in and help Save Giraffes Now gather conservation information about giraffe during their safari. Book yourself a trip now, and help us save giraffe!!
After COVID delays we were finally able to properly celebrate with the Ruko Community the successful rescue of 9 giraffe stuck on an island in Lake Baringo and the re-introduction of giraffe to the mainland 70 years after their becoming extinct there. We also celebrated the ongoing success of the giraffe sanctuary, where all the giraffe are thriving, and now breeding – increasing the population of this endangered species! We expected 200 community members at the event, but 600 people came to celebrate giraffe and peace! It was an amazing day full of dancing, games, sports and giraffe love!
Last but not least, we were extremely lucky that guest stars and incredible giraffe conservation ambassadors Troy Hayden, Anchor of Arizona Morning on Fox 10 Phoenix, and Kristy Hayden, President of Wildlife World Zoo – two of the biggest conservation supporters of SGN – were with us on this entire trip. They were able film news pieces about giraffe conservation for Arizona TV stations to increase awareness about the plight of giraffe and our efforts to save them. Additionally, Kristy was able to spend time with our partners and projects that Wildlife World Zoo has been a lead collaborator in establishing and supporting.
The Leiden Conservation Foundation – Save Giraffes Now Conservation Education Scholarship
In addition to all of the exciting field updates, we are honored to announce the first joint Leiden Conservation Foundation – Save Giraffes Now Conservation Education Scholarship has been awarded to Wanjofu Aggrey Chemwa! Aggrey is continuing to study the population and movements of endangered Maasai giraffe in the Athi-Kapiti Plains. He will start his Master’s this Fall at Karatina University which will focus on reducing the negative impacts of human infrastructure development on giraffe. Giraffe are very lucky to have Aggrey on their side, fighting for them!
Photo by Tyler Schiffman
Huge thanks to our conservation field lead, Aggrey, and to our Director of East African Operations, Fiona Sandeman, on their incredible passion and leadership in coordinating and growing our work for giraffe conservation in the region. You will be hearing directly from them soon with more updates from the field.
Cheers,
David O’Connor
President
Ways to Support Save Giraffes Now
Donate a Car through CARS
Selling a vehicle takes time, money, advertising, counter-bidding, stress, and more. Have you considered the advantages of donating it to Save Giraffes Now? Not only will you cruise past the hassles of selling, but you’ll make a lasting impact for giraffe. Plus, it’s easy and the pick-up is free!
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.
