At Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire, the United Kingdom’s only herd of Kordofan giraffes is facing challenges amid a steep global population decline of the species. The herd includes three individuals: Kofi, Gaya, and Gaya’s calf, Floris.

The Kordofan giraffe, classified as critically endangered, has seen its wild population decrease dramatically over the past several decades. Current estimates suggest that fewer than 2,300 individuals remain in their natural habitats across central Africa. This represents a decline of more than 80% over the last 35 years, raising significant concerns among conservationists.

The decline in Kordofan giraffe numbers is attributed to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. These threats have placed increasing pressure on wild populations, making captive breeding programs, such as the one at Twycross Zoo, vital to the species’ long-term survival.

At Twycross Zoo, efforts continue to provide a suitable environment for the Kordofan giraffes, enabling breeding and raising awareness about the species’ precarious status. Kofi’s introduction to a new enclosure is part of these ongoing initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of the herd.

Conservationists emphasize that protecting the Kordofan giraffe requires coordinated efforts across countries where the species is found, alongside continued support from zoological institutions to bolster captive populations. Without such measures, experts warn that the species may face even more severe challenges in the coming decades.