Niger Giraffes – ASGN

In 1995, there were only 49 giraffes left in all of West Africa, isolated on a plateau in Niger. The cause: the extension of cultivated areas, hunting, poaching and desertification. For 25 years, with the support of several zoological parks, the ASGN has been multiplying its efforts to save these giraffes, and has carried out various complementary programs in a hundred villages:

• Giraffe population monitoring and reforestation
• Awareness and education of human populations
• Local development assistance: construction of wells, allocation of micro-credits, agricultural training, health support, etc.

Thanks to this work, this population now numbers more than 700 giraffes! Although this giraffe population remains extremely fragile, this program is a real success, and proves that it is possible to act effectively by restoring a harmonious cohabitation between humans and giraffes. The Barben animal park and the Ecofaune association have been partners in this programme since 2005.