The SGN team has just come back from an extremely productive trip to Africa. We were so busy that we had our group divided into sub-teams so we could be working in two different countries at the same time: Kenya and Zimbabwe. David has already relayed the most recent updates from Kenya, and I have the pleasure of updating you on Zimbabwe.
The needs are increasing. Even the Southern Giraffe species which is generally considered to be “doing okay” in terms of numbers are showing stagnant to declining populations in Zimbabwe. SGN is working with local teams to try to ascertain and ameliorate.
In our meetings onsite ZimParks informed us that field rangers have reported that three giraffe in Hwange National Park have developed a skin condition that results in lesions on their heads, mouths, and the area around the eyes which compromises their ability to browse for food. This is believe not to be classic skin disease and local vets are worried it will cause giraffe mortality. Due to the severity of the condition, this is an urgent welfare issues. We quickly sent emergency funds, and the giraffe are entering treatment.
We are also working with Wild is Life (WIL) to implement targeted interventions aimed at protecting giraffe to avoid unnecessary mortalities, piggybacking on their existing elephant orphanage. These efforts include building a facility to enable the rescue, rehabilitation, and rewilding of giraffe that are being threatened in Hwange National Park and nearby reserves. Additionally, we are working on solutions to the dangerous powerlines in the Panda Masuie Forest Reserve that are in the path of giraffe crossings.
Pictured: Elephants at the Wild is Life elephant orphanage where we are building a giraffe rescue and rewilding facility joined to the existing infrastructure
We are working with a variety of counter parties in Zimbabwe to introduce GiraffeSpotter technology so there can be a much clearer understanding of giraffe populations and movements without the need for anesthesia, takedowns, etc.
We’re also working with ZimParks on a program to introduce aerators to some stagnant water holes, and with several local ranchers on other giraffe needs.
Pictured: Phillip Kuvawoga of IFAW, our partner in protecting the giraffe of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and de-snaring stats for the park
On behalf of all of us at SGN, and especially the giraffe of Africa, thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t do it without you!
Warm regards,
Susan G. R. Myers
Founder & CEO
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Our mission is to save giraffes from extinction, so they can live freely and safely in the woodlands and savannas of their native Africa.
