World Giraffe Day | 21 June 2025
This World Giraffe Day, we’re celebrating one of the world’s most iconic yet overlooked species, and the dedicated conservation efforts giving giraffe populations a fighting chance across Africa.
Giraffes may be familiar, but few people realise just how vulnerable they are. Over the last 35 years, giraffe populations have declined by nearly 30%, and they have now lost more than 90% of their historic range.
This World Giraffe Day, we’re proud to announce our new partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), the only NGO dedicated solely to safeguarding giraffe. Their work is having a real impact across Africa with population increases in Northern, Reticulated and Southern giraffe, while the Masai giraffe population has stabilized. The State of Giraffe 2025 Report compiles the most up-to-date giraffe numbers with 140, 901 individuals recorded.
Real World Conservation will represent and support GCF’s mission and activities in the United Kingdom, enhancing awareness, fundraising, and engagement in support of giraffe conservation.
Look out for further news about this exciting partnership coming this autumn!
What’s in a Name? Giraffe Species and Subspecies
Giraffe are no longer considered a single species. There are:
- 4 species: Northern, Southern, Masai, and Reticulated giraffe
- 9 subspecies, including Nubian, West African, and Kordofan giraffe (all classified under the Northern giraffe species)
We’ve supported work with all three subspecies of the Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), with both Nubian and Kordofan currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Uganda: Nubian Giraffe on the Rise
In 2019, we helped fund the translocation of Nubian giraffe from Murchison Falls National Park to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, a protected area where giraffe had long been absent. Establishing satellite populations is vital for genetic diversity. The sub-adult giraffes selected for translocation settled in well after their 480 km journey by road.
- In 2019, Pian Upe had just 14 giraffe
- By 2023, the population had grown to 35, including 7 new calves—a major conservation success
Nubian Giraffe in Numbers (Uganda):
- Total surveyed area: 7,610 km²
- Survey days per year: 31
- Estimated population: 2,420 giraffe
- Distinct populations: 5
Uganda now supports the largest known population of Nubian giraffe. The UWA-GCF Mobile Veterinary Unit in Murchison Falls, home to the largest population, plays a crucial role—monitoring giraffe, removing snares, and responding to emergencies.
Niger: West African Giraffe Monitoring
In Niger, we provided funding for GPS satellite units and their fitting, allowing researchers and rangers to track West African giraffe in real time. These collars are essential for understanding movements, behaviour, and threats.
This subspecies was once reduced to just 49 individuals in the 1990s, but thanks to long-term conservation efforts, the population has now rebounded to over 600. As a result, their IUCN Red List status has been downgraded from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable.
Chad & DRC: Kordofan Giraffe Conservation
In Chad, our support contributes to GCF’s work on the first-ever National Giraffe Conservation Action Plan for the country. The plan includes:
- Monitoring the small Koundjourou population
- Research into transboundary populations, such as those in the Yamoussa area, spanning Sena-Oura National Park (Chad) and Bouba Ndjidda National Park (Cameroon)
- Long-term feasibility studies for reintroductions in areas like the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, we helped establish a working dog unit in Garamba National Park to support anti-poaching efforts. During our 2019 visit, we joined a giraffe monitoring flight with Achille, then head of the giraffe team, to collect critical data.
In 2019, the population in Garamba hovered around 40 giraffe. The most recent census recorded 91 individuals—a remarkable increase and a testament to effective, targeted protection.
Namibia: Etosha Heights Education Centre
We supported the development of the Etosha Heights Conservation & Education Centre, in collaboration with GCF and the Namibia University of Science & Technology. The centre:
- Trains students and early-career conservationists
- Hosts biodiversity and giraffe monitoring research
- Provides conservation education for local communities
It serves as a model for giraffe-focused conservation education across Southern Africa.
Giraffe on the Move
Return of the Angolan Giraffe…to Angola
While we didn’t directly fund this specific project, we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of our partners at GCF, who made history in June 2023 by leading the first-ever translocation of Angolan giraffe back to Angola.
- 14 giraffe were moved from Namibia to Iona National Park
- Their journey spanned over 1,300 km and took 36+ hours
The project was a collaboration between GCF, African Parks, and the Angolan government, with support from the Wyss Foundation. Prior to the move, a feasibility study assessed habitat suitability, logistics, and community engagement. Surveys revealed strong local support for the return of giraffe to Iona, where they had been absent for decades.
“The reintroduction of giraffe to Iona marks a critical moment in the park’s history… These graceful animals will contribute to the restoration of the park’s biodiversity and serve as a symbol of Angola’s commitment to conservation.”
— Pedro Monterroso, Park Manager, Iona National Park
📣 Why Giraffe Matter
- They are keystone species, shaping and maintaining savannah ecosystems
- Their presence supports tourism and livelihoods
- Protecting giraffe safeguards hundreds of other species that share their habitats
🙌 How You Can #StickYourNeckOutForGiraffe
This World Giraffe Day, help us spread the word:
🟡 Share giraffe facts and stories using #StickYourNeckOutForGiraffe
🟡 Donate or support giraffe protection via EAE and GCF
🟡 Talk about giraffe—the more people know, the more they care
Would you like to see giraffe in the wild? Check out our travel programme>>
Together, we can ensure giraffe populations continue to stand tall in the wild.
Image at top: Nubian giraffe,Uganda – GCF
