Skip to content 
WORLD GIRAFFE DAY
21st June is the northern hemisphere’s longest day of the year! It is therefore very appropriate that on this day we celebrate the planets longest-necked animal… the graceful giraffe!
Giraffes tower over Africa’s plains. These tall animals are identified by their long necks, equally long and spindly legs, and spotted coats. Most giraffes have a tan, white or yellow coat that is spotted with brown, square shapes. The world’s tallest animal can easily look into a second story window (like at Giraffe Manor in search of tasty treats). Its height to the “horn” tips averages 5.3 m (17.5 ft.) in males and 4.3 m (14 ft.) in females.
It is a less known fact that giraffe numbers all over Africa are under serious threat due to vanishing habitats and poaching. There are nine different subspecies of giraffe across Africa and there is growing evidence to suggest that some might be separate species in their own right. Six of the nine subspecies are endangered and their numbers are dropping every year. Three subspecies are found in Kenya, the Maasai Giraffe, the Rothschild’s Giraffe and the Reticulated Giraffe. The latter two are both highly endangered with fewer than 700 and 4000 left in the wild respectively.
Giraffe Manor is one the most iconic hotels in the world but also plays a vital role in the conservation of Kenya’s Rothschild’s Giraffe. Before the Manor became a hotel it was a breeding centre for the highly endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe and it remains so to this day. It has played an integral part in the stabilisation of Rothschild’s Giraffe numbers and giraffes are frequently taken from the centre and released into the wild. The giraffes that come for breakfast are not pets but part of a very successful breeding programme, something that The Safari Collection is very proud to be a part of.
For each guest who stays at Giraffe Manor, The Safari Collection donates US$ 5 to AFEW, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife who run the neighbouring Giraffe Centre and a number of important conservation programmes throughout Kenya. We are delighted to work with AFEW and congratulate them for their hard work and dedication to conserving such a magnificent species.
To praise these gentle giants, we want to introduce the giraffe family at Giraffe Manor and share their unique characteristics, beauty and quirky behaviours.
Daisy III
Daisy was born on 1st August 2009. Although she can be a bit cranky at times she is also incredibly gentle. Daisy is very large for a female and loves to be at the center of attention. Feed her giraffe treats, do not touch her face and she will be your best friend. She is the only giraffe that doesn’t like to kiss… not on the first date at least.
Margaret
Margaret was born on the 4th November 2015 to Kelly and Edd. She has recently been named and is already a huge hit at feeding time. She has just started to come up but yet to put her head through the windows. She likes to kiss you even if don’t have pellets! You can touch her nose and pet her, unlike her mother.
Edd
Edd is the biggest boy of the herd and the father of all the young offspring. Edd is Lynn’s son and was born on 11th July 2011. He is super tall and loves to feed from the balconies or the windows. Edd is a gentle giant and enjoys a hug whilst you feed him with your other hand.
Selma
Selma was born on 13th November 2011. Just like her mum Betty, she stays close to the sanctuary but will come up to Giraffe Manor occasionally. Although Selma is shy she is tougher than she looks having been attacked by a lion in 2012!
Stacy
Stacy was relocated to the Giraffe Centre from Mwea Conservancy and is still very shy. A gentle soul, Stacy is very quiet and likes to go with the flow. She loves a giraffe pellet kiss and as she is just about to calf she is rather greedy at the moment.
Kelly
Kelly was born in August 2002. She is always the first up and last to leave for all feedings at the Manor. Kelly is the dominant female and lets everyone know about it. She loves to kiss and has incredible co-ordination when it comes to catching pellets between her lips. Don’t stand too close though, she also loves a cheeky ‘head-butt’ and has been known to ‘bump’ unsuspecting ‘selfie’ takers.
Wee-One
Our newest member of the giraffe herd is ‘Wee-One’ (yet to be officially named by AFEW). She was born on 26th April this year, daughter of Daisy III and Edd. Still drinking milk, she is yet to be fed or touched.
Kamata
Kamata is the clown of the group! He is game for anything as long as you are feeding him tasty treats. He loves to climb the steps on the front lawn so he can look as tall as his dad Edd. He has a great personality and is easy-going and gentle.
Betty
Born in 2000 near Lake Nakuru, Betty is the oldest of the Giraffe at the Manor. Betty does not come to the Manor so much; having been the matriarch for a long time she was ousted by Kelly last year when she gave birth.
Interaction with all of these gentle giants is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Now that you have been introduced to them, why not book your trip to Kenya today to meet them first hand.
RELATED NEWS
CONNECT & FOLLOW