Giraffe center in Kenya

Sometimes unforeseen, even extreme circumstances lead us to interesting discoveries and new acquaintances. This happened to me a couple of years ago, when on the way to the Kenyan capital Nairobi, my Luggage got lost for a day in Dubai. As a responsible traveler with 10 years of independent travel experience around the world, I study the sights of the places where I go in advance, as well as read reviews and recommendations on what to visit.

So, if you have a free half-day in Nairobi (usually before or after the Safari), go to the giraffe Center, you will not regret it. Center giraffe (Giraffe Centre) is located in a picturesque place about 40 minutes’ drive from the capital of Kenya.

In 1979, the center (along with the African endangered wildlife Foundation) was founded by Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty to save and preserve a rare species, the Rothschild giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), which is found only in Africa. Initially, there were only two rescued young giraffes from this subspecies In the center of the giraffes. After receiving sufficient funding, the Leslie-Melville couple engaged in rehabilitation and breeding giraffes, which were then released into the wild.

This conservation activity continues to the present day, and the population of Rothschild giraffes is increasing. About the birth of each new pet center staff is happy to report on its website and in social networks, even arrange competitions for the best name for the new inhabitant of the nursery.

There are three subspecies of giraffes in the national parks of Kenya. In addition to the Rothschild’s, there are also Maasai giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi), as well as reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), which differ in color and pattern on the skin.

Once in the center of giraffes, feel like a midget in the country of majestic creatures that are with interest considering each visitor, and if you are lucky, you will receive personal attention. To communicate with giraffes there is a high platform in the form of a balcony. The friendly staff of the Center will tell you about the history of this unique nursery, the features of giraffes, you will learn interesting facts about these animals (for example, their tongue has a length of about 45 cm!). You will be offered to feed giraffes with special pellets, having previously instructed about precautions. The bravest can kiss the charming long-necked (which I have repeatedly done).

Opposite the giraffe Center is the famous giraffe Manor, or Giraffe Manor – an elegant hotel in the building of the English estate, built in 1932. Giraffes come to the hotel, as a rule, in the morning and in the evening, stick their heads in the huge panoramic Windows and receive all sorts of treats from the guests. Free movement of giraffes on the territory of the estate is a "chip" of the hotel, attracting tourists from all over the world. Celebrities, tired of camera flashes, also at different times preferred a quiet meal in the company of giraffes. They include Mick Jagger, Brooke shields, Richard Chamberlain, Richard Branson and Ewan McGregor.

On the territory of the giraffe Center there is a cozy cafe and a gift shop. The proceeds from the sale of Souvenirs go to support the activities of the Center and help its Pets. You can, for example, please loved ones with wooden ornaments made of African trees, or buy a Cup with a Rothschild giraffe print. There are also bright eco-bags (by the way, in Kenya since August 2017, the law prohibits plastic bags).

A visit to this unusual place will be remembered for a lifetime. Perhaps, inspired by communication with the inhabitants of the nursery, you will want to join the environmental activities and contribute to the global work on the conservation of rare species.

Text and photo: Diana Rudenko, animal Photographer www.dvr.photography