Scientists at Work: Why Are Giraffes Dying?

Stat: 40%—Across Africa, the number of giraffes has declined by 40 percent since 1979.

Story: Giraffes are dying, and experts are trying to figure out why. Host Dan LeDuc speaks to two giraffe experts, ecologist David O’Connor and researcher Jenna Stacy-Dawes of the San Diego Zoo, who are trying to learn more about these mysterious animals and help giraffes rebound.

San Diego Zoo Global’s work to protect giraffes is in collaboration with partners that include the Kenya Wildlife Service, Northern Rangelands Trust, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, and Twiga Walinzi (which translates to “giraffe guards” in Swahili).

Related Resources:

• Wildwatch Kenya
• How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Wildlife Research
• How to Save the World’s Tallest Animal
• Help Us Conserve, Study and Monitor the World’s Tallest Mammals
• How Do Giraffes Drink Water?
• Giraffe Conservation