Conservationists in the African nation of Kenya were required to use quick thinking and ingenuity after a group of giraffes became trapped by rising flood waters. The Rothschild's (Nubian) giraffes faced real danger as a recent increase in rainfall cut the peninsula they usually live on off from the rest of the land. This led to the giraffes being marooned and facing the prospect that they could drown if the rains became even heavier. Not only did they face danger from the rising water-level, but also from a lack-of-food, and the huge number of crocodiles that inhabit the lakes and rivers in the local area.
In order to save the giraffes, conservationists from the US animal charity, 'Save Giraffes Now', and members of the local community constructed a hastily built barge on which to put and transport the stranded giraffes. Not only did they have to construct the barge, but they also had to make the hazardous journey to the giraffes and back again, an 8 mile journey in total. This meant that the conservationists also faced risks from both the water and the crocodiles. Giraffes themselves are extremely dangerous in situations where they panic and lose control. A kick from a giraffe is known to kill lions. Therefore, the team were required to sedate each giraffe before they were transported.
Thankfully, the transportation of the huge gentle beasts went without a hitch. It was a female, Asiwa, who was first to be put onboard and transported to safety. Asiwa had a hood put over her head in order to keep her calm throughout the journey, and as soon as she reached safety it was removed and she trotted off, soon to be joined by her friends and family. Seven more giraffes were later transported including 5 females and 2 males. The 8 rescued giraffes will be kept under close watch within a local wildlife reserve.
Sadly, Rothschild giraffes are currently regarded as an endangered species and as few as 2,000 are thought to be remaining in the wild. The animals are known to roam for hundreds of miles in search of food and water, and as natural habitats have been destroyed to make room for farms and human habitations the food and lands that sustain the wild giraffe population have significantly shrank in recent years.
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