I am thrilled to have the opportunity to update you all on a few new developments in South Africa from Save Giraffes Now.
Giraffe Calf Rescue with Care for Wild
We are delighted to share the successful capture and treatment of an injured giraffe calf! Rhino Monitors in the Intensive Protection Zone reported a young calf with a severe limp who was struggling to keep up with the rest of the group. With the support of Save Giraffes Now, Dr. Chris Smith and Dr. Hayden Cuthill from Wildlife Vets joined the Care for Wild Team to immobilize the young giraffe and investigate the problem. A large thorn was found embedded deeply in the soft tissue of the right front hoof that could lead to infection. The thorn was removed, and the wound was cleaned and dressed. Long-acting antibiotics and pain relief were also given. After treatment, the giraffe quickly re-joined the others and is currently back to normal. Most young calves would fall to victim to predators under these circumstances; therefore, we are so grateful to have the facilities and resources in order to assist in an emergency situation such as this one.
Photo: Care for Wild
Animal Rescue Kits
For many years countries across Africa have suffered droughts and heartbreak when we lose animals in dried up waterholes that get stuck in the thick clay mud in search for water. Losing any animals, especially an endangered giraffe is extremely tough when we work so hard to keep these animals safe! Together, Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR), Dr. Liza Dadone, Save Giraffes Now, and partners and field rangers across Africa are working together to design and build an emergency rescue kit which the rangers can keep in their vehicles and easily use to rescue animals they find stuck in mud or in holes caused by erosion or construction. These kits will hopefully be made available stateside, as well, for use in emergency situations at zoos or other facilities. Every giraffe counts!
GiraffeSpotter
GiraffeSpotter is a photo-identification database that is being used by conservationists, researchers, and wildlife reserve managers to individually identify giraffe and rapidly assess giraffe populations, movement, and social behaviors.
This assessment is done by driving around an entire reserve with a small team to try and locate every giraffe, photographing the right-hand side of the giraffe and uploading the photos to the GiraffeSpotter database. GiraffeSpotter uses algorithms and systems to analyze the patterns and distinguish between the individual animals. The location, sex and species are also submitted. GiraffeSpotter has been a very useful tool all over Africa and the database is maintained and updated regularly.
Photo: Lanielle de Roubaix
A special thank you to all of our partners and giraffe friends for helping to make these projects possible! We are so thankful for your continued support and could not do it without you.
Warm wishes,
Lanielle de Roubaix Hoy,
Director of Southern Africa Operations
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Ways to Support Save Giraffes Now
Need a New Shirt or Hoodie?
Oysters Clothing has launched a new line featuring giraffe! The best part? 10% of the proceeds goes to Save Giraffes Now!
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.
