Milestone Giraffe Conservation Translocation in Hwange Zimbabwe: Monitoring 70 Giraffes to Understand Ecosystem Recovery

Ambitious Giraffe Conservation Translocation in Hwange Zimbabwe, transported 70 giraffes in a collaborative effort to restore ecosystems and study population trends

Giraffe Conservation Translocation in Hwange, Zimbabwe, marks a critical step in protecting southern giraffes. This pioneering conservation effort relocated 70 giraffes to a safer habitat near Hwange National Park, and it’s the largest giraffe translocation in Zimbabwe to date. June 21st is World Giraffe Day – a celebration of Africa’s iconic and gentle giants. It also highlights the vital conservation efforts needed to protect them and gather data to understand the threats to the population. At Great Plains Foundation, we proudly participate in a pioneering giraffe rewilding initiative in Zimbabwe that offers hope to this towering species. 

Rewilding with Purpose 

Between May and July 2024, a total of 70 southern giraffes were translocated from southern Zimbabwe by road across 750km to their new home near Hwange National Park, in a non-hunting conservancy. This region was carefully chosen for its ecological similarity and the presence of a declining wild giraffe population. The animals were moved in 13 trips using a 30-ton truck designed specifically for moving giraffes. Upon arrival in Hwange, the animals were offloaded into a temporary boma, where they had access to food and water for 48 hours before being released.  

Why move giraffes? In recent years, giraffe numbers in this landscape have been declining due to a combination of poaching, road collisions, habitat loss, and natural pressures such as disease and predation. By introducing new individuals and tracking their adaptation, we can not only help restore the local population and gain insights into their browsing preferences but also better understand what’s threatening them through effective post-release monitoring. Thirty of the giraffes were tagged upon release to facilitate two years of monitoring.  

This will provide the largest post-translocation assessment monitoring of giraffes in the wild to date in Zimbabwe. The project was planned with animal welfare and ethics as top priorities, ensuring that every step, from capture to release, minimises stress and disruption. Importantly, with the assistance of expert consultants, partners and regular reports, the aim is to eventually use this information to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, helping to build a stronger foundation of publicly accessible data and encouraging cross-sector conservation collaboration within Zimbabwe. 

A Collaborative Effort 

With strong partnerships behind the giraffe conservation translocation in Hwange Zimbabwe the conservation impact is maximised across sectors. This conservation milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the partnerships between Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Forestry Commission, community leaders, wildlife rangers, safari guides, and researchers. It’s a prime example of how conservation works best when it’s inclusive and collaborative. 

Tracking Movements, Learning Behaviour 

Roughly half of the giraffes were fitted with satellite tracking tags to monitor their movements, habitat preferences, and behaviour. These tags offer valuable insight, but also come with challenges. Rain and cloudy conditions can affect the solar-powered units. This has encouraged the use of local knowledge and tech-savvy solutions in collaboration with safari guides and rangers to help the team track real-time sightings and keep tabs on giraffe movements. 

What We’re Learning 

This giraffe conservation translocation in Hwange Zimbabwe, is helping scientists gather critical data on behaviour and movement. Giraffes are carefully selecting their new home ranges. Some groups remained close to the release site, while others roamed toward the north, closer to human settlements. The research found that one area rich in Combretum trees is favourable for giraffes. The trees here are shorter – around 2.5 to 3 meters high – and the open structure of the forest makes it easier for giraffes to forage, especially at night when they tend to avoid human activity. 

However, the same features that attract giraffes also bring risks, such as poaching, which is why there is an urgent need for community engagement, awareness and effective enforcement to prevent giraffe fatalities. 

Facing Challenges Head-On 

Like many conservation projects, this one is not without hurdles. From technical issues with tracking devices to the complex dynamics of human-wildlife conflict, our work is constantly evolving. Yet, each challenge reveals new opportunities: stronger community ties, better technology, and deeper ecological understanding. 

What’s Next 

Looking ahead, we’re focused on: 

• Upgrading tracking technology to improve monitoring 
• Continuing data collection to assess food sources, habitat use, and threats 
• Strengthening awareness programs in nearby communities to reduce poaching 
• Collaborating with local leaders, like village chiefs, who are helping to sensitise communities on the importance of wildlife conservation 

Why This Matters: The Impact of Giraffe Conservation Translocation in Hwange Zimbabwe

The southern giraffe is listed as “Near Threatened”, and without interventions like this, populations may continue to decline. These beautiful creatures are ecological engineers, shaping landscapes by feeding on trees and helping other species succeed. Protecting giraffes means protecting entire ecosystems. 

To get involved, kindly contact info@greatplainsfoundation.org to assist us in continuing to create meaningful change in conservation.  

Or join our Great Plains Earth Partners community, a collective of people dedicated to supporting these conservation efforts monthly.

Donate here.

This giraffe conservation translocation in Hwange Zimbabwe is helping restore populations while deepening understanding of habitat use. Conservation transcends the relocation of animals; it involves creating environments in which wildlife and humans can coexist harmoniously, utilising data to inform decision-making, and ensuring that each action brings us closer to a more balanced future.