Reasons to Visit Nairobi Giraffe Centre
Reasons to Visit Nairobi Giraffe Centre : Imagine gazing directly into the massive eyes of the tallest mammal on the planet. You may do it in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Giraffe Centre. Enjoyable for all ages, the Giraffe Centre serves as a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Here, you can gaze into the big eyes of resident giraffes from a second-story viewing platform. And if you’re lucky, you may even get a “kiss of life”the polite term for having your face licked by one of these friendly giants.
From South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rothschild giraffes formerly inhabited a large portion of East Africa. They now only reside in Kenya and Uganda, though. When the Giraffe Center’s main organization, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, started operating in 1979, there were only 120 Rothschild giraffes left in the wild. Over 300 Rothschild giraffes currently reside in five distinct regions of Kenya as a result of the Giraffe Center’s breeding and conservation initiatives.
A Rothschild giraffe’s head seen from the side, with the sky in the distance. On their heads, Rothschild giraffes have five bony projections called ossicones. Two little bump-like ossicones are partially visible behind the ears, the paired antler-like ossicones are above the ears, and the single central ossicone is on the forehead. Did you also see the oxpecker perched in the giraffe’s mane and the muck on its neck? It was taken by Bernard Dupont.
What Are Rothschild Giraffes?
Of the three giraffe species found in Kenya, Rothschild giraffes are a rare subspecies. Masai giraffes and reticulated giraffes are the other two species of giraffes found in Kenya.
One thing that separates a Rothschild giraffe from other giraffes is the number of ossicones, or “horns”, on its head.
Most giraffes have a single pair of ossicones right between their ears. A few giraffe subspecies have a third, smaller ossicone in the middle of the forehead.
But Rothschild giraffes are born with five ossicones!
Most giraffes have spots that are only one color, however Rothschild giraffes have two-toned spots as well. The Rothschild giraffe’s markings have rust-colored borders. As they age, the dark brown centers enlarge.
The Masai giraffe, another subspecies of giraffe from Kenya, has two-toned markings as well. However, the spots on Masai giraffes are brown on brown.
Lastly, the lower legs of Rothschild giraffes are completely spotless. They appear to be sporting white knee socks!
A visitor feeds a giraffe; close-up of a Rothschild giraffe’s spots, by Maciej; two giraffes on a walk, by Kurt Thomas Hunt; two giraffes touch haunches the giraffe equivalent of a hug by Kurt Thomas Hunt; the fence keeps visitors on the trail, but this giraffe can easily step over it; a close-up of a giraffe’s snout.
What Is a Visit to the Giraffe Centre Like?
The highlight of a trip to the Giraffe Centre for many visitors is getting to interact with a giraffe. A few permanent inhabitants are unable to live in the wild because of their disabilities, but the majority of the center’s giraffes are kept separate from the public as part of the rehabilitation process. These inherently social animals love engaging with guests and frequently consume food that is placed in their hands.
There are nine giraffe subspecies in Africa, three of which are found in Kenya. You may learn everything there is to know about giraffes and their subspecies at the Giraffe Centre. Ask staff members questions or attend a presentation by one of the center’s educators; they are happy to share their expertise!
Families, Kenyan schools, and foreign tourists are among the center’s varied clientele. The Giraffe Center’s main goal is to teach Kenyan kids about animals. Donors from around the globe enable field excursions to the center, which foster a lifelong appreciation for Kenya’s natural riches.
