The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has relocated three young Rothschild’s giraffes from Soysambu Conservancy in Naivasha, Nakuru County, to the Giraffe Centre in Karen, Nairobi.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 21, KWS said the move was aimed at strengthening genetic diversity, preventing inbreeding, and ensuring the long-term survival of the endangered Nubian giraffe population.
The giraffes, aged between two and three years, will contribute to ongoing breeding efforts at the Giraffe Centre.
KWS Transfers Giraffes from Soysambu Conservancy to Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre. Photo: Courtesy.
The relocation was carefully coordinated by KWS in partnership with the Giraffe Centre and Soysambu Conservancy, ensuring a smooth and safe transfer for the animals.
The Rothschild’s giraffe is a subspecies of the Nubian giraffe and is considered one of the most endangered giraffe populations.
It is easily recognized by its lighter coat and unmarked lower legs, which distinguish it from other giraffes.
Young Rothschild’s Giraffes Moved to Giraffe Centre in Karen. Photo: Courtesy.
The relocation follows a similar conservation effort by KWS earlier this year, when a troublesome bull elephant was moved from Meru County to Tsavo East National Park to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
In a statement on October 6, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed the successful relocation of a bull elephant from Kithoka Village near Imenti Forest, Meru County, to Tsavo East National Park, a distance of over 400 kilometers.
The elephant had repeatedly breached electric fences and raided farms, posing a significant threat to local communities.
KWS explained that the move was necessary both to protect residents and to prevent the elephant from passing on its destructive behavior to others in the herd.
