Thus giraffes brought peace between two conflicting ethnic groups in Kenya (who are now fighting for their conservation)

In the heart of the Great Rift Valley, on the eastern shores of Lake Baringo, Kenya, there is a nature reserve with a singular history behind it. AND a story of unity and peace in the name of giraffe conservation.

It was precisely these animals that brought peace to these lands, the scene of clashes between two ethnic groups, i Pokot hey Chamus. The conflicts pushed the community elders to seek peaceful solutions and after a decade cooperation was achieved. But how?

Crucial role was played by Rothschild’s giraffe (Giraffe camelopardalis ssp. rothschildi) an endangered giraffe subspecies that once populated these regions. However, its population has been decimated by poaching and other causes.

To restore a first group, the reserve was established in 2008 Ruko Community Conservancy and it was then that initiatives requiring the participation of members of both ethnic groups began.

A common work for a common goal: safeguard those extraordinary herbivores. James Cheptulel, director of the reserve, formed a diverse team that in 2012 welcomed 8 Rothschild’s giraffes who arrived from the Soysambu protected area on boats.

Cheptulel remembers that day as a time of celebration, a solemn celebration in which old grudges were put aside:

We sang, celebrated and the elders blessed the giraffes. Everyone, whether Chamus or Pokot, came together to celebrate the return of the giraffe to Baringo.”

The mission was felt by everyone. The members of the two ethnic groups asked for continuous updates on the conditions of the wild animals and sat down with the rangers to find out the next actions.

Giraffes have provided us with a visual symbol of conservation. The sense of responsibility was unifying: the stakes were high and we all knew we had to keep these giraffes alive. There was a feeling that it was everyone’s job, not just the rangers or the manager, but everyone in the community.”

Those giraffes brought them together, also offering them new opportunities with the arrival of the first tourists interested in visiting the Ruko Community Conservancy. In their hands they hold the future of herbivores, thanks to which peace and collaboration reign to improve animal protection.

Today, thanks also to organizations such as Save the Giraffes Now, other specimens of Rothschild’s giraffe have found a safe home in the reserve.