GIRAFFE SPONSORSHIP
It is not well known that giraffes are under serious threat in many areas of Africa and their numbers have suffered a sharp decline across the continent. In recent years they have already become extinct in seven African countries and their numbers have fallen by 40% in the last 30 years. Work towards their conservation is more important now than it has ever been.
Giraffe Manor has been a breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes for even longer than it has been a hotel. In the 1970s there were just 80 Rothschild’s giraffes remaining in Kenya. Now, thanks in part to the careful breeding programme run at the Giraffe Centre, their numbers have reached over 1000 in the wild. Many of the giraffes born at the manor are eventually released into the wild to grow natural populations.
It is now possible for giraffe lovers worldwide to help us ‘stand tall for giraffes’ and contribute to their protection by sponsoring one of our resident Rothschild’s at Giraffe Manor. In collaboration with The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), The Safari Collection’s Giraffe Sponsorship Programme raises funds for the conservation of these elegant and endangered mammals. 50% of each donation goes directly to the GCF, supporting their efforts to save wild giraffe species in danger. The GCF is the only NGO in the world to focus solely on the conservation of giraffe in Africa and is pioneering a sustainable future for this iconic mammal. The remaining 50% is donated to The Safari Collection Footprint, our dedicated foundation which supports several carefully chosen community and conservation projects across Kenya.
WHICH GIRAFFE SPECIES LIVE AT GIRAFFE MANOR?
For many years, our herd have been classified as Rothschild’s giraffes. However, recent DNA analysis from all major populations of wild giraffes throughout Africa has revealed that Rothschild’s giraffes are genetically identical to Nubian giraffes, a subspecies of the Northern Giraffe. Therefore, our herd have been reclassified as Nubian giraffes.
The name ‘Nubian’ takes precedence over Rothschild’s as it is the nominate (first described) species. It was in the ancient civilisations of Nubia in Sudan and Egypt where giraffes first became known to science.
WHAT IS THEIR CONSERVATION STATUS?
Nubian giraffes are classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Whilst Rothschild’s giraffes are listed as near threatened, it is likely that once the IUCN recognises the two subspecies as one, their status as a whole will remain critically endangered.
HOW MANY ARE LEFT IN THE WILD?
Just over 4,000 Nubian giraffes are estimated to remain in the wild (this includes the genetically identical former Rothschild’s giraffes), with approximately 1,040 in Kenya, 2,420 in Uganda, 450 in South Sudan and less than 200 in Ethiopia.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
The Giraffe Sponsorship donation is US$ 60 per person per year. Payment can be made via our secure payment portal. Once we receive your information and funds, we will send you a giraffe sponsorship package which includes:
- A booklet detailing all the giraffe personalities at Giraffe Manor and more information on the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
- A Giraffe Sponsorship Certificate welcoming you to our sponsorship family.
- An A4 photographic print of your new long-legged friend.
- A beaded giraffe keyring made by a Samburu women’s co-operative.
We’ll stay in touch, sending you quarterly updates about Giraffe Manor, giraffe conservation and our resident giraffe family.
INTRODUCING OUR GIRAFFE FAMILY
Edd
DOB: 11 July 2011
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
FATHER
Salma
DOB: 13 Nov 2011
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
MOTHER OF:
Jock IX
Daisy
DOB: Aug 2008
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Kigio Conservancy
MOTHER OF:
Gloria
Kelly
DOB: Est. 2000
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Lake Nakuru N.P.
MOTHER OF:
Mpopi
Jock IX
DOB: 17 Sept 2022
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
CHILD OF:
Edd & Salma
Salma’s Calf
DOB: 17 Jan 2024
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
CHILD OF:
Edd & Salma
Tururu
DOB: 04 Feb 2021
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
CHILD OF:
Edd
Gloria
DOB: 20 Sept 2022
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
CHILD OF:
Edd & Daisy
Mpopi
DOB: 13 Aug 2022
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
CHILD OF:
Edd & Kelly
Kelly’s calf
DOB: 26 Feb 2024
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Giraffe Centre
CHILD OF:
Edd & Kelly
JOIN US
Join our Behind The Selfie social media campaign to STAND TALL for giraffes. With your help, we want to tell the story behind the lens to raise awareness about what’s really happening to giraffes across Africa. Snap a fab giraffe selfie and share on social media using #behindtheselfie. Most importantly, add a giraffe fact to help raise awareness for this iconic species.
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YOUR IMPACT
Just by staying at our properties, each guest helps conserve Kenya’s wild landscapes, look after its wildlife and make a positive impact on peoples’ lives. See how your stay has contributed.
DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR FOOTPRINT INITIATIVES AND GIVE BACK
We aim to tread lightly on our planet. It is at the forefront of our minds. The Safari Collection are focused on minimising our environmental footprint. We are actively involved in projects that help to protect Kenya’s incredible landscape and wildlife for future generations.