Giraffe Conservation Foundation Update – Operation Twiga II

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.”

Help YWP Foundation

Help YWP to sustain endangered animals from around the globe by donating today.

Share:

Related Posts

International Rhino Day

International Rhino Day

Today is National Rhino Day, a day dedicated to celebrating these beautiful creatures and raising awareness of the many organisations that work tirelessly to help

International Tiger Day

International Tiger Day

Today is International Tiger Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about tiger conservation, celebrating their beauty, and taking action to protect these incredible animals

Save The Rhino

Rhino conservation success

The award-winning Wildlife Foundation is raising funds for endangered rhinos following the birth of a rare Eastern Black Rhino at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The arrival

Keep up to date with WildLife Foundation

Sign up to keep up to date with us, and our partner organisations. Find out how you can help through fundraising, events and more. You can unsubscribe at any time.
* indicates required