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.
Latest Impact Reports
Comprehensive reports measuring our impact on giraffe conservation in Africa.
World Giraffe Day 2025
#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.
How long is a giraffe’s tongue? What color is it?
Giraffe use their long, dexterous tongues to carefully select nutritious leaves from thorny trees. The tongue's unique coloration and thick…
Do all giraffe have horns?
Giraffe possess distinctive bony protrusions on their heads called ossicones, not horns. These ossicones are covered in furred skin, and…
How many giraffe are there and are they ‘Endangered’?
The giraffe population in Africa has declined significantly, with only around 117,000 individuals remaining. While this number is higher than…
Do giraffe lie down?
Giraffe were previously thought to primarily rest while standing, but recent studies have shown that they frequently lie down. They…
Latest Updates
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.
Maggie makes a difference!
Read Maggie's amazing conservation story.
Operation Sahel Giraffe II
Niger is standing tall for West African giraffe in a daring translocation mission.
Vet training in Namibia
GCF spearheaded innovative, hands-on training for 8 African wildlife vets in Namibia.
