As a science-based organization, our programs and initiatives across Africa focus on providing innovative and adaptive approaches to giraffe conservation management. We collaborate with government agencies and a wide range of partners globally to ensure a secure future for giraffe.
Through our Giraffe Conservation Health initiative, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation addresses giraffe conservation priorities from a veterinary science and conservation medicine perspective. This initiative encompasses diverse aspects, including evaluating best practices for giraffe immobilization, building/enhancing capacity for the next generation of African wildlife veterinarians, assisting in developing new technology for satellite tracking, establishing best practices for conservation translocations, and researching disease threats and health issues in wild giraffe populations.
Immobilizing giraffe is a specialized task that many wildlife veterinarians avoid due to their unique anatomy and physiology. However, giraffe immobilizations are crucial for many of our programs and initiatives. They enable us to gather vital information on giraffe movements and habitat use through initiatives like Twiga Tracker, expand giraffe range through conservation translocations, and provide prompt and effective treatment for snared giraffe.
Historically, giraffe mortality rates from anesthetic procedures have been high, but constant scientific analysis and advanced training can significantly reduce this risk. We aim to develop best practice guidelines and equip wildlife veterinary and capture teams with the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure the safety of wild giraffe.
Building local African capacity is central to our work across the continent. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation has provided capacity building during our in-country projects and supported African veterinarians in receiving additional training in targeted wildlife medicine, game capture courses, and exchange visits over the last decade. As wildlife conservation becomes increasingly important in many African countries, investing in local wildlife veterinarians and their training is essential. Our partnership with the University of Namibia’s School of Veterinary Medicine offers a hands-on practical wildlife immobilization course designed to meet the needs of young African wildlife veterinarians.
Despite limited knowledge about diseases affecting giraffe in the wild, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation is committed to addressing these knowledge gaps. We collect data, analyze samples, conduct literature reviews, and collaborate with experts to actively address potential disease concerns as they arise.
Snaring through illegal wire traps poses a significant threat to wild giraffe populations in key areas of Africa. While these snares are intended for smaller animals, their indiscriminate nature endangers all species. Giraffe caught in snares may break free but can drag wires for weeks, leading to severe wounds, infection, limb deformities, amputation, and ultimately death.
Through our Giraffe Conservation Health initiative, we are establishing an Africa-wide network of experienced wildlife veterinary professionals committed to collaboratively enhancing giraffe conservation throughout the continent.
