Fourteen Angolan giraffes (a subspecies of the southern giraffe) have been successfully relocated to Iona National Park in Angola this month, as part of an ongoing conservation effort to restore and enrich the park's biodiversity.

The 14 giraffes made the long journey from a private game farm in central Namibia to Iona, situated within a historic range area in Angola. After their capture in Namibia, the giraffe travelled over 1 300km in a specially designed truck for 36 hours.

This is the first of multiple giraffe translocations to build a viable population in the park.

The translocation is thanks to a partnership between African Parks, the Government of Angola and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

Abias Huongo, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Environment, said: "The reintroduction of giraffe to Iona National Park is a remarkable milestone in Angola's conservation journey. This significant endeavour demonstrates our commitment to preserving our country's natural heritage. Together, we are building a future where both people and wildlife thrive.”

Giraffe populations in general have declined in the past 35 years due to habitat loss, poaching, and other human-induced factors, but recent targeted giraffe conservation efforts have seen several populations starting to rebound.