Giraffe had likely gone extinct in Eswatini during a rinderpest outbreak in 1896.
The return of southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) to Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland) began in 1965 when two individuals were introduced from the South African lowveld to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Giraffe from this founding population were later reintroduced to Hlane Royal National Park and other smaller properties in the country.
Since then, there has been a steady increase in the southern giraffe population in Eswatini, with over 400 individuals now residing across 11 different properties.
To better understand their population status and support future southern giraffe conservation initiatives, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation is collaborating with Big Game Parks and other local partners to build strong partnerships in the country, to gain a better understanding of the population status, and to assist with future southern giraffe conservation efforts.
