Partners of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) have been tireless in their efforts to look after giraffe populations throughout 2017.
Sadly listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, GCFs Operation Twiga initiatives have achieved a great deal in the ongoing battle to sustain Nubian Giraffe in Uganda.
Back in 2015, GCF ran Operation Twiga, a scheme where 18 giraffe were successfully translocated to increase the range of giraffes in the African nation. As of August 2017, an additional 19 have been moved as part of a follow-up initiative – Operation Twiga II.
With this conservation work focused in the Murchison Falls National Park, this additional translocation moved giraffe from the northern to the southern side of the park.
This admirable work wouldn’t have been possible without a purpose-built translocation truck that was donated to GCF following tremendous fundraising efforts on World Giraffe Day 2015.
Operation Twiga II – The Results
Following the success of Operation Twiga I, Operation Twiga II yet again lent on the knowledge and experience of wildlife veterinarian Dr Pete Morkel.
Assisting the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to increase their giraffe capture skills, this was in addition to the first ever X-rays of giraffe feet being taken by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Using this important information, it is anticipated that global zoos will be far more equipped to help thwart early-onset giraffe arthritis.
Additionally, four of the 19 translocated giraffe have been fitted with GPS satellite solar units, designed to track their movements for a greater understanding of how they use their habitat.
Speaking after Operation Twiga II, GCF Directors Dr Julian and Steph Fennessy said: “Giraffe conservation is a team effort, and we at GCF are proud to have brought so many stakeholders together for the long-term conservation of this iconic animal – we are confident that together we can continue to make a difference for giraffe in Africa.”
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