Giraffe Conservation

A Silent Crisis

Giraffe, an iconic species of Africa, have been undergoing a silent crisis. In just the past few years, their numbers in the wild have dropped dramatically with little notice. Giraffe have already been declared locally extinct in seven African countries, and population surveys estimate an overall 40% decline in the global giraffe population.

Up to this point, only one species of giraffe, comprised of several subspecies, had been known to exist. IUCN currently recognizes one species of giraffe as vulnerable, and lists its nine subspecies as endangered or critically endangered. Genetic studies have now shown that there may actually be four distinct species of giraffe: northern, southern, reticulated, and Masai. This reclassification has led to an increase in conservation efforts, as we are learning that giraffe numbers are declining more steadily than previously thought.

Keeping Nubian Giraffe SAFE

The Nubian giraffe, formerly known as the Rothschild giraffe, is listed as critically endangered by IUCN. Primary threats to giraffe in this region include habitat loss and fragmentation, human encroachment, poaching, oil and gas exploration and effects of climate change and variability. To help bolster their population, Zoo New England has partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in its Giraffe SAFE program plan for Nubian giraffe in Uganda. SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction combines the coordinated efforts of accredited zoos and aquariums to save the most vulnerable wildlife species from extinction. Through this partnership, Zoo New England supports giraffe health assessments, translocations, tracking, community education, and ongoing conservation projects.