Our Story
WHY GIRAFFE HOUSE?
The park opened in April 2007, to be an educational portal for our local schools and visitors who would never have the chance to see or experience these animals in the wild. We realised that we have a significant role to play in protecting wildlife for the future generations. Our aim is to develop the next generation of African conservationists through our African Education programmes by instilling an appreciation of all wildlife to people from all walks of life. We chose the Giraffe as our iconic species. The Giraffe is the tallest land mammal in the World and is one of the most characteristic animals of Africa. The wild African giraffe population is declining - in the 1980s, the total number of all giraffe in Africa was estimated at more than 155,000 individuals. Today, the current Africa-wide giraffe population is estimated at approximately less than 111,000 individuals. We currently have 4 giraffe at our facility and a variety of African animals who are ambassadors for their wild counterparts, who help by educating people of their plight in the wild and their importance to our African ecosystem.
An important member of our team is our Gerry.She joined the Giraffe House team back in 2008 all the way from the Eastern Cape. She was born during a game capture operation. The Ranger in charge took the newborn calf to his home where he hand raised her until his backyard became way to small to keep a giraffe. She was brought to Giraffe House, our very own famous local giraffe star, and the Matriarch of our herd.
Our Interactive Animal Encounters are scheduled at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 over weekends and during the school holidays. It gives visitors the opportunity to meet and experience some of our amazing animals.
