By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, July 10 — Fourteen giraffes have recently been reintroduced to Angola, marking a significant effort to bolster the country’s wildlife population. These giraffes, originally from neighbouring Namibia, were carefully transported to Iona National Park, one of Angola’s largest parks.
The grand release of the giraffes took place on February 25, 2023, during a ceremony attended by government officials and representatives from the African Parks organization, which is spearheading this commendable reintroduction project.
Angola’s President, José Eduardo dos Santos, expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement, stating, “This is a remarkable milestone for Angola. It showcases our unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and our determination to rebuild our country after enduring decades of civil war.”
The giraffes were brought to Angola as part of a breeding program orchestrated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. With the reintroduction of these magnificent creatures, the foundation aims to revitalize Angola’s giraffe population, which had suffered greatly due to poaching during the civil war.
Stephanie Fennessy, co-founder of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, expressed confidence in the success of this initiative, stating, “We firmly believe that these giraffes will flourish in Iona National Park. This marks a crucial step in the long-term recovery of the Angolan giraffe population.”
The reintroduction of giraffes forms part of a broader wildlife conservation effort led by the Angolan government. In recent years, the government has made significant investments in protected areas and implemented effective anti-poaching initiatives. As a result, the elephant and lion populations in Angola have witnessed remarkable growth.
This reintroduction of giraffes serves as a testament to Angola’s dedication to the restoration of its natural heritage. It also underscores the importance of wildlife conservation in countries recovering from conflict.
The Angolan government anticipates that the reintroduction of giraffes will not only contribute to wildlife conservation but also bolster tourism in the country. Iona National Park is already a popular tourist destination, and the addition of giraffes is expected to attract an even larger number of visitors.
These giraffes will find their permanent home in Iona National Park, a secure and suitable habitat that provides them with all the resources necessary for their well-being.
The successful reintroduction of giraffes stands as a significant triumph for wildlife conservation in Angola. It showcases the country’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources and signifies its ongoing journey of recovery. – Namibia Daily News
