Windy (HNBF030), who was first added to our database as a young female sub-adult in 2002, is now a mature adult desert-dwelling giraffe. At over 23 years of age, Windy is one of the oldest documented wild female giraffe in the whole of Africa. Isn't it weird that we still don't really know how old giraffe get in the wild? This is true as no one as ever bothered to record this! Scientifically, Windy’s advanced age is making history as she had a calf not too long ago! She spends most of her time in the remote Hoanib River in northwest Namibia, where she is often seen in the company of younger adult female giraffe and their calves. As an experienced mother, Windy readily takes on the role as the resident ‘aunty’, watching over and protecting other giraffe’s calves while their mothers venture away for short periods in search of better browse.
About Giraffe Conservation Foundation
Every donation supports our work with local and international partners, affecting over 100 million acres of giraffe habitat.
The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is the only NGO in the world that concentrates solely on the conservation and management of giraffe in the wild throughout Africa. We are dedicated to securing a future for all giraffe populations in the wild.
Our conservation story started in Namibia, where we have studied several giraffe populations for over two decades now. Our findings have directly impacted the global understanding of giraffe and how best to save them. It was the GCF team that first realized that there are four different species of giraffe (and not only one as previously thought). Our pioneering work in Africa also led to global recognition of giraffe’s silent extinction on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
However, our work is not done—there is still so much to learn. It is only through better understanding that we can develop targeted, sustainable conservation strategies with the local people who share their space with wildlife to secure the long-term future of giraffe in Africa.
We envision a world where all giraffe can live wild and free within their historical ranges or habitats throughout Africa and are protected by the people around them.
Join us on our journey and help save giraffe today, before it’s too late tomorrow.
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