30 giraffes translocated

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKThirty giraffes were translocated to two communal conservancies and a national park in Namibia during June to boost existing giraffe populations and increase genetic diversity.The translocation was done by the environment ministry in collaboration with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF).With the assistance from Du Preez Wild and funding by GCF and the Wildlife Conservation Alliance, the ministry captured and translocated 13 giraffes to Mangetti National Park in the Kavango West Region and three to Okongo Conservancy in Ohangwena. Fourteen giraffes were also translocated to Doro !Nawas Conservancy in Kunene, assisted by Ultimate Safaris, a Namibian tourism operator that works closely with the conservancy. Boosting populationMinistry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said the translocation was in response to a request by conservancy committees to boost their small giraffe populations and also to increase the local tourism potential, which would greatly benefit the conservancy.“This is another clear demonstration of our determination to implement our constitutional mandate, which, in translation, provides for the protection of the country's national resources for the benefit of our citizens, both in the present and in the future.He said the ministry believes the giraffes donated will go a long way in providing income and employment opportunities for rural Namibians and alleviating poverty.“The ministry will continue to seek interventions that do not only promote the conservation of our natural resources, but also cater for the social and economic development of our people.” 'Amazing collaborative work'While the first releases were only witnessed by the translocation team and local ministry staff, the release in Doro !Nawas was also attended by conservancy members and local game guards.“It is great to see more giraffes come to our area. I will make sure that our game guards take good care of these animals and keep a lookout for them,” said conservancy chairman Gerson Namiseb.Director of GCF Stephanie Fennessy said it is great to be involved in “amazing collaborative work” and to share in good news during difficult times such as the coronavirus pandemic.“Giraffe conservation is a conservation success story in Namibia and we are proud to play a small role in it.”Muyunda said they are looking forward to repeating this success and to bring more giraffes to other communal conservancies in Namibia in the coming years.

30 giraffes translocated

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

Please login to leave a comment

30 giraffes translocated

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

Please login to leave a comment

Login