In a significant conservation milestone, 14 Angolan giraffes (Giraffa Angolensis) have been reintroduced to Iona National Park. Sponsored by the Wyss Foundation and Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the giraffes made a 1,300km journey from Namibia to Angola in early July 2023.

In May 2024, a further 13 giraffes made the same journey from Namibia to further bolster this charismatic species in the park. This effort, a collaboration between African Parks, the Angolan Government, and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, underscores a commitment to restoring the park's species diversity.

Angola’s former Secretary of State for the Environment at the time of the first introduction in 2023, hailed the reintroduction as a “remarkable milestone” in the country’s conservation journey, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural heritage.

The giraffes are expected to play a crucial role in restoring Iona’s ecosystem by aiding vegetation management and seed dispersal. Stephanie Fennessy, Executive Director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, highlighted this collaborative effort as vital for ensuring the long-term survival of the Angolan giraffe and maintaining ecological balance in the region. A feasibility study conducted by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and a survey by African Parks revealed strong local support for the reintroduction, further solidifying the project's success.

Pedro Monterroso, Park Manager at Iona National Park, expressed gratitude for the partnerships that made this translocation possible, marking it as a critical moment in the park’s history and a symbol of Angola's dedication to conservation.

https://www.africanparks.org/giraffe-reintroduced-angolas-iona-national-park

For more information about African Parks, please contact Helen Hancock on helenh[at]africanparks[dot]org