Summary of OKC ZOO HELPS FUND CAPACITY BUILDING TO PROTECT ENDANGERED GIRAFFE POPULATIONS IN AFRICA:
The Oklahoma City Zoo is committed to protecting giraffes and their habitat. Giraffe populations in Africa have decreased by 30% since the 1980s due to habitat loss caused by human activities like agricultural expansion and urban development. Currently, only 10% of the historic range for giraffes remains. To address these threats, the zoo supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) through its Round Up for Conservation program. The GCF provides training for African veterinarians and students to help save giraffes in the wild. The zoo has sponsored two African vets to participate in a wildlife veterinary course and also provides funding for African students conducting conservation research. By raising awareness and supporting the Round Up for Conservation program, guests can help protect giraffes for future generations. The zoo has a giraffe herd that includes male giraffe Demetri and female giraffes Ellie, Julu, Mashamba, Solstice, and Njeri. Julu is expecting her second calf in the fall, the 59th giraffe born at the zoo since 1965. This birth is significant for both the zoo and the vulnerable giraffe species.
Summary:
– The Oklahoma City Zoo is committed to protecting endangered giraffe populations in Africa.
– Giraffe populations have declined by 30% since the 1980s due to habitat loss.
– The Zoo supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) through its Round Up for Conservation program.
– GCF provides training for African veterinarians and students to benefit African giraffes.
– The OKC Zoo has a giraffe herd and expects a significant birth later this fall.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is not just a place for entertaining and educating visitors. Still, it is also a conservation organization dedicated to protecting our world’s vanishing wildlife and wild places. One of the species that the zoo is particularly focused on conserving is the giraffe, whose population in Africa has declined by 30% since the 1980s. This decline is primarily due to habitat loss caused by human activities such as agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development.
It is disheartening to learn that only 10% of the historic range for giraffes remains today. As their natural habitats shrink, giraffes are forced to move elsewhere and face increased resource competition. This puts their survival at risk, and urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect this vulnerable species for future generations.
Recognizing the importance of giraffe conservation, the Oklahoma City Zoo supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF). This international science-based conservation organization provides innovative approaches to save giraffes in the wild. The mission of GCF aligns perfectly with the zoo’s commitment to securing a world where all giraffes can live freely within their historical ranges, and the OKC Zoo is proud to support its efforts.
One of how the Oklahoma City Zoo supports GCF is through the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program. This program allows zoo visitors to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the extra amount going toward conservation initiatives. The funds raised through this program are specifically directed towards giraffe conservation efforts.
Thanks to the funds provided by the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program, GCF can provide training for African veterinarians and students. This training aims to build their capacity to benefit giraffes in Africa. One of the initiatives supported by the zoo is a wildlife veterinary course, where African veterinarians receive hands-on training in immobilizing, caring for, and translocating giraffes and other large mammals. This training equips these veterinarians with the necessary skills to save giraffes and contribute to their conservation.
Additionally, the funding from the program is used for a grant program for African students conducting conservation-related research. These students are crucial in generating scientific data for wildlife conservation and management. By supporting these students, the Oklahoma City Zoo indirectly contributes to giraffe conservation efforts by ensuring that the next generation of conservationists is well-equipped to protect this magnificent species.
The Oklahoma City Zoo also has its giraffe herd, consisting of male giraffe Demetri and female giraffes Ellie, Julu, Mashamba, Solstice, and Njeri. The herd is expected to grow further, as Julu expects her second calf later this fall with Demetri. This upcoming birth is significant for the zoo and the vulnerable giraffe species as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the importance of giraffe conservation and the positive impact that conservation efforts can have on the population.
By raising awareness and supporting initiatives such as the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program, guests at the Oklahoma City Zoo can actively contribute to protecting and preserving giraffes in the wild. Every visit to the zoo and every dollar donated through the program plays a vital role in ensuring that future generations can marvel at the beauty and grace of these gentle giants in their natural habitats.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s commitment to protecting endangered giraffe populations in Africa is a shining example of the important role that zoos can play in conservation efforts. The zoo actively contributes to preserving this vulnerable species by supporting the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and its giraffe herd. By educating and inspiring visitors, the Oklahoma City Zoo fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for wildlife, ultimately working towards a world where all animals can thrive.
