Twycross Zoo in Little Orton, Leicestershire, has unveiled a new enclosure for the United Kingdom’s only herd of Kordofan giraffes. The group includes two adult giraffes, Gaya and Kofi, along with Gaya’s calf, Floris. The enclosure was completed recently to provide a more natural and spacious environment for the animals.

Kordofan giraffes are native to parts of Central Africa, specifically northern Cameroon, southern Chad, and the Central African Republic. Classified as critically endangered, wild populations of this subspecies have suffered a severe decline, with estimates indicating a reduction of more than 80 percent over the last 35 years. Current estimates put the global wild population of Kordofan giraffes at approximately 2,300 to 2,400 individuals.

The new habitat at Twycross Zoo aims to support the conservation and breeding efforts for these giraffes, enhancing public awareness about the challenges faced by the species in their native range. Conservationists emphasize the importance of such initiatives as part of broader efforts to prevent further decline of Kordofan giraffes in the wild.

Twycross Zoo’s management highlighted the significance of the project both for the welfare of the giraffes in captivity and for educational purposes, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the giraffes' natural history and conservation needs. The development reflects ongoing commitments by zoos worldwide to protect threatened species through integrated conservation programs.