Baby Giraffe Born at Lake Mburo

Adventure Consults reports that the birth of a baby Rothschild giraffe at Lake Mburo National Park in April stirred up lots of excitement.

This was the first giraffe born since Mburo was re-gazetted as a national park in 1986 and the 16th member of a small family that has been living in the area since 2015. The infant’s sex is not yet known, but it is being closely monitored to make sure the little guy is being lovingly cared for by its family.

In June 2015, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and other international conservation agencies joined forces to relocate 15 Rothschild giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Lake Mburo.

The group comprised four bulls (males) and 11 cows (females), relocated as part of an effort to diversify wildlife species and boost tourism in western Uganda. The initiative also aimed at reducing the number of giraffes in Murchison Falls to ensure enough food for them there.

GCF is the world’s only nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and management of giraffes in the wild. As one of the organization’s official partners, Adventure Consults assists with logistical requirements for all field operations.

Adventure Consults director Brian Mugume GCF director asked Dr Julian Fennessy why it took so long for the first birth to occur. Fennessy explained that the giraffes at Lake Mburo were all relatively young at the time of the relocation and that the normal gestation period is about 13 to 15 months. Hopefully this birth is just the first of many more to come.

What an itch!

In December 2016, giraffes were uplisted to “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with two subspecies currently listed as “endangered.” Uganda is lucky enough to be home to one of these subspecies — the Rothschild — with only a few hundred members in the wild.

Beyond these majestic animals, Lake Mburo is home to various species including crocodiles, buffalo, hippo and many colorful birds. Adventure Consults can help you explore the park in style via boat trips, horseback, walking safaris, or morning, afternoon and evening game drives.

Among Adventure Consults’ many options are:

Pearl Of Africa: An 11-day trip that highlights Uganda’s hidden treasures, including gorillas and the new baby giraffe.

Wildlife & Birding at Kidepo National Park: Four days exploring the isolated Kidepo wilderness including giraffe, rock-climbing lions and lots more.

Big 5 Adventure to Murchison Falls: Enjoy rhinos on foot en route to the park with the greatest waterfall and Uganda’s largest giraffe population.

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