The Giraffe Center
The Center has been protecting and growing this subspecies of giraffe that is in danger for 40 years. In the same way, it has given its millions of tourists chances to be entertained and learn about these unique animals.
Get on the feeding stand and give one of the giraffes at the Center a food pellet. You can also go to the Information Center to find out how these rare animals are being cared for, bred, and then put back into the wild.
You can see birds, warthogs, dik-dik, and more along the winding Nature Trail here. In 1979, Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville found the Rothschild’s giraffe in bad health. This is where the story of this one-of-a-kind refuge began. Giraffes used to be common all over Africa, but now there are only 130 of them left.
Daisy and Marlon are the names of the two young giraffes that Jock and Betty brought to their large property in the Lang’ata area of Nairobi. Here, they started a breeding program that works well and is still going strong today.
The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) was officially set up by Jock to raise money for the project. The Giraffe Center is what its supporters, tourists, and friends call this one-of-a-kind sanctuary.
Soon after starting the sanctuary, Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville knew it was important to teach Kenyan children about their history and the need to protect the country’s wildlife. So, in 1983, an environmental teaching center was opened, and young people in Kenya were given free tours. Every year, more than 50,000 kids learn about giraffes and how to protect the environment for future generations.
This is on top of the 40,000 regular visitors who come to the Center every year to have fun and learn from its many tools.
People can see how the giraffe calves are raised and then put out into the wild when they are two to three years old and strong enough to live.
More than 40 of these calves were born and raised in the center and have since been released into game parks and conservancies all over Kenya.
What The Giraffe Center Is About
It is in the neighborhood of Lang’ata, which is 20 km (12 mi) from the city center of Nairobi.
As for the weather, Nairobi is warm and gets a lot of rain all year long. The temperature here is 20oC (68oF) on average.
Hours of Operation: The Center is open every day from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm, even on weekends and holidays.
The best way to get there is to book a tour in Nairobi with African Safari Kenya.
By air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main airport that serves Nairobi, the capital city.
Things to Do and See Tea House: The Center has a feeding platform, nature walks, and a tea house where you can watch giraffes while enjoying a drink and taking in the view.
Daisy Zoovenir Shop: The gift shop is named for Daisy, who lived in The Center before it opened, and it’s a popular place to buy souvenirs. The Center makes 90% of its money from admission fees and sales in its gift shop.
Books, signs, and Literature: The Center makes a lot of educational materials, like the Nature Trail Guidebook, manuals on how to protect the environment, and signs that make people aware of the problem.
Giraffe Manor: This Tudor-style private hotel next to the Giraffe Center might be the most unusual place to stay in the world. It is common to eat breakfast here while a huge giraffe pokes its head through the window to look at your eggs and toast.
Check out The Giraffe Center.
Not many animal parks let you get this close to the animals, let alone kiss them. The Center is a great place to learn about the environment, see sights, and get information. If you come here when there are a lot of happy school kids, you’ll remember it for years to come.
The Giraffe Center and Kenya Safaris with African Safari Kenya
A trip with African Safari Kenya to The Giraffe Center will be an experience you’ll never forget.
For your trip to Africa, we offer safaris that leave from the city to this and other unique Kenyan parks and attractions.
