Two critically endangered Kordofan giraffes welcomed at Twycross Zoo
Eloise and Bonomanzi complete the UK's only herd of this rare species
Twycross Zoo in the East Midlands has announced the arrival of two critically endangered Kordofan giraffes to complete their unique herd.
Eloise, a 17-year-old giraffe, and Bonomanzi, aged 10, safely arrived at the zoo, marking a significant moment in conservation efforts for this rare species—the only herd of Kordofan giraffes in the United Kingdom.
This move entailed nearly a year of planning and collaboration among various zoos across Europe to ensure the successful transportation of Eloise and Bonomanzi.
The journey utilised Europe’s two specialist giraffe transporters, which are unique in their height-adjustable design that permits safe road transportation—a coordinated effort prioritising the giraffes' welfare.
Eloise and Bonomanzi join Gaya, Kofi, and young calf Floris, who had been brought to Twycross Zoo in June.
The giraffes are now under the care of Twycross Zoo’s dedicated team of expert zookeepers and veterinarians. The zoo actively participates in a European conservation initiative, an EAZA Ex-Situ Programme aimed at maintaining a healthy, genetically diverse population of Kordofan giraffes to act as a safety net for their wild counterparts.
Kordofan giraffes face severe threats in their natural habitat due to human activities such as oil drilling, illegal hunting, and conflict, leading to a stark decline in their population with fewer than 1,500 individuals remaining.
The initiative by Twycross Zoo and its partners is crucial as it contributes to the global effort of preserving biodiversity and stopping species extinction.
Yianna Cooling, Twycross Zoo’s Assistant Curator (Mammals), said:
“We are so delighted that Eloise and Bonomanzi have arrived safely to their new home with us here at Twycross Zoo. This has been a huge team effort, and seeing all five giraffes together is a really special moment for everyone involved.
“We’ve spent almost a year planning every detail of their move, working closely with colleagues across the UK and Europe to make sure the giraffes’ individual needs were considered, as well as the long-term plan for protecting the species.
“Getting them here safely is just the beginning. As part of a joint effort between European zoos, we’re helping to create a healthy, genetically diverse population that can act as a safety net for this critically endangered species.
“With Kordofan giraffes facing such serious threats in the wild, maintaining a sustainable population in human care is an important part of the long-term effort to stop this species from disappearing altogether, and is one of the vital roles’ zoos play in global conservation.
“They’re an incredible sight for our visitors, but they also represent something much bigger. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we’re doing here will contribute to the future survival of this species.”
These giant newcomers have already intrigued visitors during summer, and the zoo is eager to see guests continue to support their conservation work by visiting and witnessing these majestic animals.
At Twycross Zoo, every visit contributes to the charity’s mission to protect wildlife and preserve global biodiversity.