While the giraffe population in the Kingdom of Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland) has shown a steady growth in the last few years, the history of giraffe in the country originated from humble beginnings.
Giraffe had likely gone extinct during a rinderpest outbreak in 1896.
The first giraffe returned to Eswatini in 1965, when two Southern giraffe were introduced from the South African lowveld to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Giraffe from this founder population were later also reintroduced to Hlane Royal National Park and other smaller properties in the country.
Since then, the giraffe population in Eswatini has grown steadily to over 400 individuals on 11 different properties today. GCF is now collaborating with local partners to build strong partnerships in the country, to gain a better understanding of the population status of giraffe and assist with future giraffe conservation initiatives.
