The Giraffe Centre was established in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, passionate conservationists who recognized the urgent need to protect the Rothschild�s giraffe. At the time, fewer than 130 Rothschild giraffes remained in Kenya, primarily due to habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

The couple began their conservation journey by rescuing and raising two young giraffes, Daisy and Marlon, at their Lang�ata home. Their successful breeding efforts led to the creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and the opening of the Giraffe Centre to the public as an educational and conservation hub.

The primary mission of the Giraffe Centre Nairobi is the breeding, conservation, and reintroduction of Rothschild�s giraffes into protected areas across Kenya. Through carefully managed breeding programs, giraffes raised at the centre are relocated to national parks and reserves such as Lake Nakuru National Park, Ruma National Park, and Mwea National Reserve.

These efforts have played a major role in increasing the Rothschild giraffe population in Kenya, making the centre a key contributor to wildlife conservation in East Africa.

A visit to the Giraffe Centre offers a unique, hands-on wildlife experience:

Close interaction with Rothschild�s giraffes from elevated viewing platforms.

Opportunity to hand-feed giraffes under staff supervision.

Educational talks on giraffe behavior, ecology, and conservation.

Guided nature walks through indigenous forest trails.

The centre also runs environmental education programs for Kenyan schoolchildren, promoting conservation awareness from a young age.

Today, the Giraffe Centre stands as a global example of successful wildlife conservation through education and community engagement. It attracts thousands of local and international visitors each year and remains a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Nairobi wildlife tours.