Giraffe on the Move: Mapping a Silent Recovery
Unexpected migratory patterns in Nubian and Kordofan giraffe underscore the vital importance of connected landscapes and cross-border cooperation for their survival.
The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is the only NGO in the world that concentrates solely on the conservation and management of giraffe in the wild throughout Africa.
We are a voice for giraffe
Help save giraffe today, before it’s too late tomorrow.
You can make a difference by supporting our conservation work in Africa.
Programs & Initiatives
Learn about our conservation efforts, programmes, and educational initiatives.
State of Giraffe 2025
Comprehensive assessment of latest giraffe numbers and distribution in Africa.
World Giraffe Day 2026
#StandTallForGiraffe on June 21st, the longest day (or night) of the year.
Annual Reports
Read our most recent annual report to learn about our conservation activities.
Over the past 35 years, giraffe numbers have decreased by nearly 30%.
In regions once considered prime habitats, their numbers have dropped by up to 95%, and giraffe have lost nearly 90% of their historical range over the last three centuries.
In the BBC documentary “Giraffe: Africa’s Gentle Giants”—featuring GCF’s important work in Africa—Sir David Attenborough referred to this decline as a “Silent Extinction.”
Despite a significant decline in their population over recent decades, giraffe have garnered minimal attention and support for their conservation. Research conducted by GCF and our partners has led to critical discoveries for the preservation of giraffe in the wild, most notably the identification of four distinct giraffe species. Among these, two species have such critically low populations that they are among the most endangered large mammals on the planet.
GCF is dedicated to securing a future for all giraffe populations in the wild. Our conservation approach is based on solid science and our Translocation Programs are just one example that proves our success by actively bringing giraffe back into areas where they originally reigned.
Learn About Giraffe
Giraffe, the tallest land animals, possess unique characteristics like long necks, intricate spot patterns, and complex social behaviors. Explore their remarkable adaptations, behaviors, and challenges, revealing the wonders of the giraffe’s world.
14 fascinating facts about giraffe
There are lots of fascinating things to know about giraffe, but the most important facts are that there are four…
Why do giraffe have such a long neck?
The giraffe's long neck serves multiple purposes: it allows them to reach high foliage for food, engage in dominance displays…
How long do giraffe live?
Surprisingly little is known about the lifespan of giraffe in the wild, but GCF has shown that they can live…
Why do giraffe have spots?
The giraffe's distinctive patches not only serve as camouflage but also function as a cooling system. Each patch contains a…
4 giraffe species recognized in historic IUCN decision
For the first time in history, giraffe have been recognized as four distinct species — a discovery that will transform their conservation across Africa.
Heads up – Four giraffe species have distinct cranial morphology
Large study of the skull shape of giraffe confirms that there are four distinct species of giraffe
Angolan giraffe on the move
It was a big week for Angolan giraffe as we increased their range in Southern Africa
Giraffe reveal stunning genetic diversity
This first genomic-wide study on giraffe highlights the urgent need for increased conservation efforts and an updated taxonomic review.
Seeing double – spotless giraffe in Namibia
The first spotless giraffe was ‘spotted’ in the wild in Namibia. Read more ...
Translocation – Angolan giraffe return to Iona National Park in Angola
In a collaborative effort, 14 giraffe were successfully translocation.
Operation Sahel Giraffe II
Niger is standing tall for West African giraffe in a daring translocation mission.
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