NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully completed the translocation of three young Rothschild giraffes from Soysambu Conservancy in Naivasha to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, in a move aimed at strengthening genetic diversity and safeguarding the long-term survival of the species.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KWS said the giraffes, aged between two and three years, were relocated as part of a broader conservation strategy to prevent inbreeding and enhance sustainable breeding of the Nubian giraffe population, also known as the Rothschild giraffe.
The operation was carried out through a collaborative effort involving KWS, the Giraffe Centre, and Soysambu Conservancy, highlighting the role of partnerships in wildlife conservation and ecosystem management.
According to KWS, the translocation is intended to reinforce breeding programmes at the Giraffe Centre, which plays a critical role in conservation education, research, and public awareness on endangered species.
“This milestone conservation effort underscores the importance of collaboration in safeguarding biodiversity, supporting conservation-based tourism, and strengthening Kenya’s wildlife economy,” KWS said.
Rothschild giraffes are listed as endangered, with their population having declined significantly due to habitat loss, poaching, and human encroachment. Kenya remains one of the few countries with a stable population, largely due to sustained conservation interventions, including habitat protection and managed breeding.
The Giraffe Centre, located in Nairobi, is a major conservation and tourism hub and has been central to giraffe conservation efforts for decades.
By integrating the newly relocated giraffes into its breeding programme, conservationists hope to improve genetic resilience and contribute to future reintroductions into protected habitats.
KWS noted that the initiative aligns with national wildlife conservation policies and Kenya’s broader commitment to biodiversity protection under both domestic law and international conservation frameworks.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to science-based conservation and partnerships that ensure Kenya’s wildlife heritage is preserved for future generations.
