Conservationists rescue endangered giraffes trapped on Kenyan island | Sunday Observer

Conservationists rescue endangered giraffes trapped on Kenyan island

21 March, 2021

The sub species of giraffes known as the Rothschild’s giraffe is an endangered species in the world. Therefore, in 2011, some of these giraffes were moved to Longicharo Island, a rocky peninsula on Lake Baringo in Western Kenya. The scientists hoped the isolated area would save the endangered animals from poachers and allow their numbers to multiply.

However, intense rainfall in August 2020 caused the lake water levels to rise substantially, cutting the area off from the mainland and reducing the area of the once lush habitat. Local rangers initially transported food for the starving giraffes, but as the island continued to shrink, it became imperative to relocate the animals to a safer habitat. While giraffes can swim, Lake Baringo’s crocodile-infested waters meant the animals would have to be ferried across.

For this purpose, a custom barge that could safely transport the innocent animals was created. To prevent any mishaps and to ensure that the animals don’t panic, the rescuers gave the giraffes a light sedative and covered their heads with a burlap hood and put socks in their ears to block out sound and were able to safely transport the gentle creatures to a safer habitat.

 

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