Why you should visit the giraffe centre in Nairobi

Why you should visit the giraffe centre in Nairobi : Envision gazing directly into the massive eyes of the tallest mammal on the planet. You can do precisely that at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Fun for all ages, the Giraffe Centre is a refuge for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. This area features a second-story observation platform where you can look into the large eyes of the resident giraffes. And if you’re lucky, one of these amiable giants could even give you a “kiss of life,” which is the polite expression for having them lick your face, this exciting experience is one of the reasons as to why you should visit the giraffe centre in nairobi.

Nearly all of East Africa, from South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was previously home to Rothschild giraffes. They exclusively reside in Kenya and Uganda now, though. When African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the parent organization of the Giraffe Centre, started operating in 1979, there were only 120 Rothschild giraffes left in the wild. More than 300 Rothschild giraffes now reside in five distinct regions of Kenya as a result of the Giraffe Center’s breeding and conservation activities. A side view of a Rothschild giraffe’s head with the sky in the distance

Five ossicones, or bony projections, are present on the skulls of Rothschild giraffes. The paired antler-like ossicones are above the ears, the single central ossicone is on the forehead, and two tiny bump-like ossicones are partially visible behind the ears. Did you see the oxpecker lying in the giraffe’s mane and the muck on its neck.

What are Rothschild Giraffes?
One of the three subspecies of giraffes that inhabit Kenya is the Rothschild giraffe, which is an uncommon breed. Reticulated and Masai giraffes are the two additional species of giraffes found in Kenya. They are all in peril making it a reason as to why you should visit the giraffe centre in Nairobi.
The quantity of ossicones, or “horns,” on a Rothschild giraffe’s head is one characteristic that sets it apart from other giraffes.
One pair of ossicones is located directly between the ears of the majority of giraffes. A third, smaller ossicone is located in the centre of the forehead of a few giraffe subspecies.
While most giraffes have spots that are only one colour, Rothschild giraffes also have spots that are two tones. The Rothschild giraffe has rust-colored patches along the edges. With age, the dark brown centres enlarge.
Maasai giraffe, a different subspecies of giraffe native to Kenya, is likewise bicolored in its patches. However, the Maasai giraffe has brown-on-brown markings.
Finally, the lower legs of Rothschild giraffes are completely devoid of markings. It appears as though they are donning white knee socks.

What is a visit to the Giraffe Centre like?
The pleasure of a safari to the Giraffe Centre for a lot of visitors is getting to know the giraffes. A few permanent inhabitants of the centre are giraffes that are too disabled to survive in the wild, but the majority of the giraffes are kept away 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.
You may learn everything there is to know about giraffes and their several subspecies at the Giraffe Centre. Three of Africa’s nine giraffe subspecies are found in Kenya. Ask staff members questions or attend a session given by one of the center’s educators; they are happy to share their expertise.
The centre draws a wide range of visitors, including families, schoolchildren from Kenya, and tourists from other countries. Giraffe Center’s primary goal is to teach Kenyan kids about animals. Worldwide donations enable field visits to the centre, which foster a lifetime respect for Kenya’s natural riches.
A youthful guest at the Giraffe Centre is bestowed with the Kiss of Life. This giraffe’s tongue is pink on top and blue below, unlike many others whose tongues are all blue.
Go to the visitors’ pavilion’s second floor if you want to feed a giraffe. You will receive some giraffe kibble and advice from an instructor.
Known as the “kiss of life,” enthusiastic giraffes frequently greet their feeders with a pleasant lick because the natural compounds in their saliva have antibacterial and wound-cleaning properties. Giraffes love the prickly acacia tree, one of their favorite vegetation, and these compounds help their tongues heal rapidly if they cut themselves eating it.
Most days of the year, the Giraffe Centre is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Entry fees support conservation programs directly to the tune of ninety percent. Thus, do the earnings from the café and gift shop. (Want to lend a hand right now? The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the parent organization of the Giraffe Centre, is the recipient of donations.)
You should also visit the neighboring Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to observe their elephant rehabilitation programme if you want the whole big-animal experience. Just two of the numerous entertaining things to do in Nairobi either before or after your safari are these.
Popular safari destinations to see the giraffes include;
Good places to see the Rothschild giraffe are Lake Nakuru and Lake Baringo in Kenya, and Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.
You can see the Masai giraffe in Tsavo Conservation Area and other parks in southern Kenya, as well as in northern Tanzania.
You can find reticulated giraffes in northern Kenyan parks like Samburu and Shaba, as well as and parks in central Kenya, such as Aberdare.