Giraffe SAFE Program

Giraffe SAFE Program Action Plan 2017-2020 Submitted: 10 August, 2017 By Program Leaders Liza Dadone,1 Andi Kornak,2 Kristen Lukas2 1 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, CO 2 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH

With the Giraffid SSP, Giraffe & Antelope TAG, Program Partners & Advisors

©Kristen Lukas

Contents

Program Goal…………………………………………………………………………………………….3 Program Operational Structure…………………………………………………………………………..4 Conservation Target……………………………………………………………………………………...6 Status of Taxa within the AZA Community……………………………………………………………..6 AZA Conservation Activities…………………………………………………………………………….6 AZA Public Engagement Activities………………………………………………………………..……7 Conservation Status of Taxa……………………………………………………………………….……8 Recovery Plans………………………………………………………………………………………….9 Threats to Giraffe……………………………………………………………………………………….10 Work Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………11 Conservation Objectives: Kenya………………………………………………………………11 Conservation Objectives: Tanzania……………………………………………………………11 Conservation Objectives: Uganda……………………………………………………………..11 Public Engagement Objective………………………………………………………………….12 Communication Objective……………………………………………………………………..12 Funding Objectives…………………………………………………………………………….12 Giraffe SAFE Member-Sponsored Species Program 3 Year Strategy (2017-2020)…………………...13 Kenya…………………………………………………………………………………………..13 Tanzania………………………………………………………………………………………..14 Uganda…………………………………………………………………………………………15 Public Engagement…………………………………………………………………………….17 Communication………………………………………………………………………………...18 Funding…………………………………………………………………………………………18 References………………………………………………………………………………………………19 List of Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………...…19 Appendix 1. Uganda Giraffe Programme Annual Work Plan…………………………………19 Appendix 2. Africa-wide Giraffe Conservation Strategic Framework: ……………………….19

Program Goal The goal of the Giraffe SAFE program is, of course, to save giraffe! With between 35-50% of giraffe facilities currently supporting conservation, we additionally aim to demonstrate measurable positive impacts of zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on the conservation of giraffe and increase the number of AZA zoos that support field conservation over the next three years. To ensure the stability of conservation programming, long-term commitments will be encouraged. Ideally, the efforts of the Giraffe SAFE Member- Sponsored Species (SMSS) program will also engage the world-wide zoo community and increase overall support.

In 2016, with the Antelope and Giraffe TAG’s endorsement, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo joined together to propose a SAFE program for giraffes. This program was approved as the first AZA SMSS in February 2017. The group has agreed to collaborate on program plans for three countries- Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda- and on ways to increase public engagement for increase awareness of, and support for giraffe conservation by AZA institutions. As the field conservation initiatives are intended to feed into existing conservation action plans, the existing Africa-wide Giraffe Conservation Strategic Framework: Road Map, as well as the draft National Giraffe Conservation Strategy for Kenya and work plan for giraffe conservation in Uganda, serve as a platform to measure the impact of the increased AZA effort against what has been prioritized for giraffe in each landscape. Specific objectives are identified in this Giraffe SAFE Action Plan as a first step in what will be a long-term commitment to ensuring the survival of giraffe in robust populations across East Africa. This Action Plan provides a framework and identifies opportunities for program partners and will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. It will remain the prerogative of each individual AZA organization to determine where to commit funds and resources as they develop their giraffe conservation programming. The Giraffe SAFE program invites and welcomes all interested AZA zoos to become program partners.

Program Operational Structure

Giraffe SAFE project areas are Kenya (K), Tanzania (T), Uganda (U), and Public Engagement (PE) Zoo Representative(s) Contact Information Primary Project Area(s) Program Leaders Cheyenne Liza Dadone, VMD [email protected] K, T, U, PE Mountain Zoo  Vice President of 719-330-4774 Mission & Programs Cleveland Andi Kornak [email protected] K, T, U, PE Metroparks Zoo  Director of Animal & 216-635-3373 Vet Programs Program Partners-Steering Committee Columbus Zoo & Mike Kreger [email protected] T, U, PE Aquarium  Vice President of 614-724-3409 Conservation [email protected] Adam Felts 614-922-0068  Curator Heart of Africa/Asia Quest North Carolina Corinne Kendall, Ph.D. [email protected] T, U, PE Zoo  Curator of 336-879-7607 Conservation & Research Oregon Zoo Sheri Horiszney (Giraffid SSP [email protected] U, PE Chair) 503-220-2444  Deputy Director Saint Louis Zoo Martha Fischer, M.A. (Giraffe [email protected] K, U, PE & Antelope TAG Chair) 314-646-4610  Curator of Mammals San Diego Zoo Jenna Stacy-Dawes, M.A. [email protected] K, PE  Research Coordinator- Global Partnerships The Living RoxAnna Breitigan [email protected] T, PE Desert Zoo &  Director of Animal 760-346-4898 Gardens Programs [email protected] Justin Carmichael 760-346-5694 ext. 2503  Public Engagement Coordinator Utah’s Hogle Zoo Liz Larsen [email protected] K, PE  Director of Conservation

Program Operational Structure (cont.) Zoo Representative(s) Contact Information Primary Project Area(s) Advisors Giraffe Julian Fennessy, Ph.D. [email protected] K,T,U,PE Conservation Steph Fennessy [email protected] Foundation  Co-Directors & Co-Founders Arthur Muneza [email protected]  East African Coordinator IUCN Giraffe & ? ? K,T,U,PE Okapi Specialist Group Leiden Tom Leiden, President [email protected] K,T,U,PE Conservation Foundation Field Conservation Committee Liaison Utah’s Hogle Zoo Christina Castellano [email protected] Vice President & Chief 801-584-1756 Science Officer

Conservation Target Populations of Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis) in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda).

Status of Taxa within the AZA Community Giraffe are among the most iconic animals in the world with their tall stature, gentle nature, graceful gait, unique coat patterns, long black tongues, and powerful necks. For these and many other reasons, they are also very popular zoo animals. According to the Giraffe and Antelope Taxon Advisory Group & Giraffe Species Survival Plan, 97 AZA accredited zoos (131 total institutions) care for giraffe in the US, Canada, and Mexico, which is more than any other charismatic mega-vertebrate. This means nearly half of accredited zoos care for giraffe, undoubtedly one of the most popular and beloved zoo species. There are currently more than 500 giraffe managed through two SSP Programs: Generic and Masai. The Generic Giraffe is a Green Program and the Masai are a Yellow Program. According to the 2016 Breeding and Transfer Plan for Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis): Giraffe taxonomy has long been debated and there is still limited consensus regarding subspecies, or possibly even species, differences. In 2004, the AZA populations of reticulated and Rothchild’s giraffes were combined into a single management unit, leaving the Masai giraffe population to be managed separately. The 2016 Breeding & Transfer Plan provides analyses and recommendation for the “generic” Giraffe SSP that includes reticulated, Rothschild’s, and hybrid individuals. The current, formally managed population of generic giraffes is 425 animals (178 males, 247 females) distributed among 85 AZA institutions. The Antelope and Giraffe Taxon Advisory Group has set the target size for this population to be 400 animals (2014 Regional Collection Plan). At present, the generic giraffe program qualifies as a Green SSP Program (>90% gene diversity for 100 years). Although our focus is on AZA giraffe, the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA) estimates that about 1/10th of the world population (700 million people) visit zoos worldwide each year. There are an estimated 2,000 giraffe in human care worldwide. If we can effectively engage and educate zoo guests about giraffe conservation, starting with those that come to AZA zoos, we could make a significant impact on conservation of this species. Giraffe are ecologically important in nature because they are browsers that influence the landscape and they serve as key prey for large carnivores and scavengers. Their status as iconic megavertebrates means they are also quite successful at attracting ecotourism and thus habitat preservation. However, giraffe across Africa face threats to survival including habitat loss and degradation, poaching, human encroachment, civil unrest, and disease.

AZA Conservation Activities Giraffe populations have declined drastically over the past three decades, (Muller et al., 2016) and AZA zoos have been mobilizing resources to increase awareness of giraffe conservation and to conduct or support field conservation initiatives for giraffe. According to the AZA Annual Report on Conservation and Science (ARCS), from 2014-2015, AZA zoos have provided support for giraffe conservation primarily through the following organizations and projects:  Care for Karamoja (http://www.care4karamoja.org)  Giraffe Conservation Foundation (https://giraffeconservation.org/)  Reticulated Giraffe Project (http://www.reticulatedgiraffeproject.net/RGP/Home.html)  Rothschild’s Giraffe Project (http://www.girafferesearch.com/)  San Diego Zoo Global (http://endextinction.org/species/giraffe) Data from the AZA Annual Report on Conservation and Science (AZA, 2017) reveal that AZA zoos reported investing nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to support or conduct giraffe conservation initiatives between 2014-2016: Year # Reporting Institutions Amount Spent 2014 41 $222,173 2015 37 $268,585 2016 43 $312,085 Total $802,843

AZA Public Engagement Activities Zoo support for giraffe conservation is also evident in the enthusiastic support for public engagement opportunities made available through such initiatives as World Giraffe Day. First celebrated in 2014, World Giraffe Day is celebrated annually on June 21st, the longest day of the year. The logos from 44 AZA zoos are currently listed on the 2016 World Giraffe Day website (https://giraffeconservation.org/world-giraffe-day/), which demonstrates the wide support within AZA for public engagement activities surrounding giraffe.

Conservation Status of Taxa Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis)  United States Conservation Status (www.fws.gov): Under Review  IUCN Conservation Status (www.iucnredlist.org): Vulnerable G.c. rothschildi  IUCN Conservation Status (www.iucnredlist.org): Endangered Species Subspecies Scientific name 2016 Wild Population Giraffe Angolan Giraffa 13,031 Camelopardalis angolensis Kordofan G.c. antiquorum 2,000 Masai G.c. tippelskirchi 31,611 Nubian G.c. camelopardalis 650 Reticulated G.c. reticulata 8,661 Rothschild’s G.c. rothchildi 1,671 South African* G.c. giraffa 38,938 Thronicroft’s G.c. thornicrofti 600 West African G.c. peralta 400 Total 97,562 *This number was calculated as a sum of the Current Estimates for “G.c. angolensis (provisional” and “G.c. giraffe” in the IUCN_Giraffe_camelopardalis. The iconic giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis), one of the world’s most recognizable animals and the tallest land mammal, have already been declared locally extinct in seven African countries. In December 2016, giraffe were reclassified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species from “Least Concern” to “Vulnerable”. New population surveys estimate an overall 36-40% decline in the giraffe population from approximately 150,000 in 1985 to 98,000 in 2015. Of the nine currently recognized subspecies of giraffe, five have decreasing populations, while three are increasing and one is stable. Previously, two subspecies were reclassified as “Endangered” and a high conservation priority. In 2008, the West African giraffe was listed as “Endangered with less than 200 individuals , now ~400 individuals. In 2010, the Rothschild’s giraffe (proposed re-classification as Nubian giraffe) was also listed as “Endangered” and population numbers have increased since based on international attention and support. The conservation status of the other giraffe subspecies is currently under review with the IUCN and may result in further updates to the Red List. Additionally, and in light of the current plight of giraffe highlighted by the new IUCN Red Listing, at the most recent IUCN 2016 World Conservation Congress in Hawaii, the members

8 passed a motion to support “Giraffids: reversing the decline of Africa’s iconic megafauna”. The motion (https://portals.iucn.org/congress/motion/008) called for:  IUCN, donors and partners to raise global and local awareness of giraffid declines and conservation needs and funds for key actions (e.g. lobbying range states and engaging local communities)  IUCN Members, donors, and partners to: o Support the on-the-gound implementation of the 2015-2025 Ikapi Conservation Strategy o Undertake increased fundraising and capacity building for management monitoring of giraffid range state protected areas, including intellence-led law enforcement via tools such as SMART (Spacial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), and for specific giraffid conservation activities, including development of improved survey and monitoring methods;  IUCN Member States, giraffid range states, the United Nations and the international community to help restore the integrity and security of thereatened protected areas, in particular World Heritage sites, in the ranges of giraffe (in particular Garamba National Park in DRC, Bouba-Njidda, Benoue and Waza national parks, and Faro Reserve in Cameroon, and Shambe, Boma and Badingilo National Parks in South Sudan) and okapi (in particular Virunga and Maiko national parks and Okapi Wildlife Reserve);  All States Parties to the World Heritage Convention to uphold their commitments to the Convention and not to permit extractives activities in World Heritage sites where giraffid are found and to ensure that all existing and future operations in areas surrounding such properties are compatible with the protection of their Outstanding Universal Value and do not threaten their integrity, in accordance with numerous World Heritage Committee decisions (e.g. 37 COM 7, para 8); and  IUCN, giraffid range states, donors, key stakeholders and partners to develop and/or support an Africa-wide Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, as well as to raise global funds to facilitate its development and actions arising from it. Recovery Plans Recovery plans for Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis) are in development by Kenya (drafted in 2016) and Uganda (planned in 2017) but not by Tanzania. A strategic framework for conservation of giraffe across Africa was made available in 2016 and emerged from meetings co-hosted by Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and the IUCN Giraffe & Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) in Namibia (2011), Kenya (2013), and South Africa (2015). Giraffe SAFE Program Co-Leader, Liza Dadone, is a member of the IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group.

In-situ Giraffe Conservation Plans (see attachments): Country Name Date Published Organization Appendix Kenya National Pending Kenya Wildlife n/a Conservation Service Strategy and Action Plan for Giraffes in Kenya (2016- 2020) Tanzania (none) n/a n/a n/a Uganda Uganda Giraffe 2016-2017 Giraffe #1 Programme Conservation Annual Work Foundation Plan 2016-17. National Strategy currently in development. Africa-Wide Africa-wide 2016 Giraffe #2 Giraffe Conservation Conservation Foundation & Strategic Partners Framework: Road Map

Threats to Giraffe Primary Threats to giraffe in KENYA: o Habitat loss and fragmentation o Population isolation o Poaching o Gaps in information on distribution and numbers o Effects of climate change and variability Primary Threats to Giraffe in TANZANIA: o Habitat loss and fragmentation o Poaching o Gaps in information on distribution and numbers o Effects of climate change and variability Primary Threats to Giraffe in UGANDA: o Habitat loss and fragmentation

o Human encroachment o Poaching o Oil and gas exploration o Effects of climate change and variability Work Plan Refer to Program Summary Table for Metrics. Conservation Objectives: Kenya KENYA Objective Recovery Plan Relevance 1. Develop monitoring protocols and use Objective 1 of the Africa-wide Giraffe data gathered through ground and Conservation Strategic Framework: Road aerial surveys to verify population Map_August 2016 (Appendix 2) estimates for Masai, Nubian/Rothschild’s, and Reticulated giraffe in Kenya by 10 August 2017 2. Develop and evaluate one new two- Objectives 2, 3, and 4 of the Africa-wide year partnership between an AZA Giraffe Conservation Strategic Framework: SAFE program partner and an in- Road Map_Agust 2016 (Appendix 2) range community-based conservation initiative by 10 August 2020.

Conservation Objectives: Tanzania TANZANIA objective Recovery Plan Relevance 1. Evaluate in-country interest and Objective 5 of the Africa-wide Giraffe develop, as appropriate, a Tanzania Conservation Strategic Framework: Road Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Map_August 2016 (Appendix 2) Action Plan by 10 August 2020 2. Conduct a minimum of two surveys Objective 1 of the Africa-wide Giraffe per year to identify etiology and conservation Strategic Framework: Road potential population impact of Giraffe Map_August 2016 (Appendix 2) Skin Disease (GSD) in Ruaha National Park by 10 August 2020 3. Develop and evaluate one new two- Objectives 2,3, and 4 of the Africa-wide year partnership between an AZA Giraffe Conservation Strategic Framework: SAFE program zoo and an in-range Road Map_August 2016 (Appendix 2) community-based conservation initiative by 10 August 2020

Conservation Objectives: Uganda UGANDA Objective Recovery Plan Relevance 1. Support development of Uganda’s Component 4 of the Uganda Rothschild’s National Strategy for Giraffe Giraffe Programme Annual Wrok Program Conservation by 10 August 2018 and (2016-2017, Appendix 2) and Objective 5 of its implementation through 10 August the Africa-wide Giraffe Conservation 2020. Strategic Framework: Road Map_August 2016 (Appendix 1); 2. Support translocation team members, Component 2 of the Uganda Rothschild’s conduct giraffe health assessments, Giraffe Programme Annual Work Program and directly participate in two giraffe (2016-2017, Appendix 1) translocations by 10 August 2020 3. Develop and evaluate one new two- Component 3 of the Uganda Rothschild’s year partnership between an AZA Giraffe Programme Annual Work Program SAFE program zoo and an in-range (2016-2017, Appendix 1); Objectives 2,3, and community-based 4 of the Africa-wide Giraffe Conservation conservation/education intitiave by 10 Strategic Framework: Road Map_August August 2020. 2016 (Appendix 2)

Public Engagement Objective Objective Recovery Plan Relevance 1. Increase by 25% the number of AZA Objective 3 of the Africa-wide Giraffe zoos and aquariums that support Conservation Strategic Framework: Road giraffe conservation and participate in Map_August 2016 (Appendix 2) World Giraffe Day by 10 August 2020

Communication Objective Objective Recovery Plan Relevance 1. Increase by 25% the number of AZA Objectives 3 and 4 of the Africa-wide Giraffe zoos and aquariums that incorporate Conservation Strategic Framework: Road giraffe conservation messaging on Map_August 2016 (Appendix 2) ground by 10 August 2020

Funding Objectives Objective Recovery Plan Relevance 1. Increase by 25% the amount of funds Objective 3 of the Africa-wide Giraffe directed to giraffe conservation in Conservation Strategic Framework: Road Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda by 10 Map_August 2016 (Appendix 2) August 2020

Giraffe SAFE Member-Sponsored Species Program 3 Year Strategy (2017-2020) Kenya Kenya Strategic Objective 1. Develop monitoring protocols and use data gathered through ground and aerial surveys to verify population estimates for Masai, Nubian/Rothschild’s, and Reticulated giraffe in Kenya by 10 August 2020. Rationale: Conservation and management of wild giraffe is guided by sound scientific and evidence-based data. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 1.1 Conduct giraffe i)Surveys are completed and baseline Yr 1: Accumulate and assess available San Diego Zoo KWS Estimated population census for numbers and distribution for each census data, engage in-country St Louis Zoo NRT $100,000 Masai, population established partners, develop project budget, and Cheyenne Mtn TNC Nubian/Rothschild’s, & ii)Robust range-wide framework and secure funding Zoo LWC Reticulated giraffe using methodology for monitoring protocols are Yr 2 &3: Funding dependent: census More partners Loisaba ground and aerial developed and piloted on additional ranges to survey for required for Mpala surveys for the ranges of giraffe success GCF these giraffe Yr3: Complete compiling and Others analyzing results with in-country partners Kenya Strategic Objective 2. Develop and evaluate one new two-year partnership between an AZA SAFE program zoo and an in-range community- based conservation inititative by 10 August 2020. Rationale: Community-based conservation helps maintain viable populations of wild giraffe. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 2.1 Where invited, i)Make a presentation about the proposed Yr 1: Accumulate information from San Diego Zoo Same as Estimated support community- community-based giraffe conservation and Kenyan partners on current St. Louis Zoo above $50,000 based conservation research program to potential partners and community-based conservation Cheyenne programs, to include governmental entities in Northern Kenya initiatives, and identify gaps and areas Mtn. Zoo some drought and ii)Identify willing community-based where SAFE program can degradation-affected conservation partners who invite us into assist/support/develop and then launch More partners giraffe habitats in key giraffe habitats pilot program(s). Annual evaluation of needed northern Kenya iii)Develop 2-year giraffe conservation engagement in World Giraffe Day and research work plan with each partner activities iv) Create partnerships with AZA SAFE program zoos to provide/support jobs (i.e. Yr 2: Review outcomes of pilot rangers), increase monitoring, assess and program(s) w/partners, develop best understand poaching, investigate alternate practices and ongoing monitoring and sources of livelihoods, and provide local accountability indicators. Expand to education about giraffe conservation additional sites (funding dependent).

v) Lay foundation for culturally relevant Annual evaluation of engagement in World Giraffe Day activities in key World Giraffe Day activities schools adjacent to giraffe habitats 2.2 Conduct human i)Social surveys conducted in communities Yr 1: Develop and standardize San Diego Zoo Same as Estimated dimensions of that frequently interact with giraffe in questionnaires St Louis Zoo Above $10-20,000 conservation surveys northern & southern Kenya, and results Cheyenne in/around key giraffe disseminated Yr 2: Human dimensions in key Mtn. Zoo sites ii)Local cultural issues identified and giraffe habitats in northern and addressed, as appropriate southern Kenya, and data analysis

Tanzania Tanzania Strategic Objective 1. Evaluate in-country interest and develop, as appropriate, a Tanzania Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan by 10 August 2020. Rationale:.Developing, implementing, and monitoring in-country action plans helps prioritize resources and maximize conservation impact. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 1.1 Gauge stakeholder i)Assess Community stakeholder interest in key Yr 1: Discussions NC Zoo GCF Estimated interest at the community giraffe landscapes across Tanzania e.g. Ruaha, with in-country The Living Desert +/- USFWS $25,000 to and government levels Tarangire, northern rangelands giraffe conservation Zoo & Gardens international support for future development ii)Discuss with Government officials and stakeholders to Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo affairs National of a National Giraffe departments interest in and process for conducting develop Strategy Columbus Zoo Strategy Conservation Strategy Strategy and Action Plan and Action Plan and Action and Action Plan iii) As appropriate, support development of National Plan Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan Meeting(s) Yr 1-3: Development of Strategy and Action Plan, as appropriate

Tanzania Strategic Objective 2. Conduct a minimum of two surveys per year to identify etiology and potential population impact of Giraffe Skin Disease (GSD) in Ruaha National Park by 10 August 2020. Rationale: Conservation and management of wild giraffe is guided by sound scientific and evidence-based data.

Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 2.1 Identify Giraffe Skin i)Identify and support conservation partners in Yr 1: Develop NC Zoo GCF Estimated Disease (GSD) etiology Ruaha NP to better understand and monitor GSD partnerships and Columbus Zoo $10-20,000 in Ruaha National Park ii)Collect skin biopsy and other samples for facilitate research Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo (Note: Depending on diagnostic testing of GSD permits for GSD +- other partners results of studies and iii)Disease testing and histopathology of skin biopsy research project in consults with field and samples analyzed and reported Ruaha NP partners, other areas may also be considered). Yr 2:Collect skin biopsy and other samples of GSD

Yr 3: Skin biopsy and other samples analyzed and reported 2.2 Track GSD i)Monitor giraffe populations and collect individual Yr 1: Facilitate NC Zoo GCF (see above) prevalence and threat in photos to track affected individuals and evaluate permits for research Columbus Zoo Ruaha National Park associated mortality in Ruaha NP Cheyenne Mtn Zoo +/- other partners Yr 2:Individual photo monitoring of giraffe in Ruaha NP

Yr 3: Individual photo monitoring of giraffe in Ruaha NP, data analysis and reporting Tanzania Strategic Objective 3. Develp and evaluate one new two-year partnership between an AZA SAFE program zoo and an in-range community-based conservation initiative by 10 August 2020. Rationale:Community-based conservation helps maintain viable populations of wild giraffe. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 3.1 Provide community- i) Increase giraffe conservation educational Yr 1-3: Annual The Living Desert GCF Estimated based giraffe education awareness in local Tanzanian schools (including tracking of school Zoo & Gardens $10-20,000 programs, with initial Juma the Giraffe book) programs/children focus on communities ii) Celebrate World Giraffe Day with activities in involved in outreach Columbus Zoo Tanzanian schools program

16 around the Tarangire More partners Ecosystem Yr 1-3: Annual needed evaluation of engagement in World giraffe Day activities

Uganda Uganda Strategic Objective 1. Support development of Uganda’s National Strategy for Giraffe Conservation by 10 August 2018 and its implementation through 10 August 2020. Rationale:.Developing, implementing, and monitoring cohesive action plans help prioritize resources and maximize conservation impact. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 1.1 Financial & i) Provide financial support for meeting Yr 1: Attend Cheyenne Mtn. UWA $10,000 advisory support for ii)Provide advisory support for meeting & for creating strategy stakeholder Zoo GCF Uganda’s National document meeting(s) in Cleveland Strategy for Giraffe Kampala Metroparks Conservation Zoo

1.2 Support in- i) Annual work plans developed and approved Yrs 1-3: Biannual Cheyenne Mtn UWA will vary country ii)Monitoring & evaluation (M&E) framework developed & review of plan Zoo GCF implementation of implemented with in-country Cleveland National Strategy & stakeholders/wor Metroparks Zoo Action Plan king group to identify additional opportunities for Giraffe SAFE program to support implementation of strategy Uganda Strategic Objective 2. Support translocation team members, conduct giraffe health assessments, and directly participate in two giraffe translocations by 10 August 2020. Rationale: Translocations increase resilience of giraffe populations in Uganda and AZA SAFE partner institutions can contribute valuable subject matter expertise in giraffe health care.

Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 2.1 Funding and in- i)Field captures and translocations of giraffe to appropriate Yr 1-3: Giraffe Cheyenne Mtn UWA 2017 country support for habitats in country, based on site-specific translocation translocations/rei Zoo UWEC translocation giraffe translocations assessment and plans following IUCN guidelines ntroductions Cleveland GCF funded undertaken every Metroparks Zoo 18 months Columbus Zoo following More partners approved needed assessments.

2.2 Monitor giraffe i)identify etiology of Giraffe Skin Disease in Murchison Falls Yr 2: GSD Cheyenne Mtn UWA $50,000 health/disease status NP etiology Zoo UWEC ii)Provide veterinary and husbandry support to help with care identified in Cleveland GCF of giraffe at the Ugandan Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) Murchison Falls Metroparks Zoo NP Columbus Zoo More partners Yrs 2-3: Annual needed discussions and support with UWEC team on care of zoo giraffe population

Uganda Strategic Objective 3. Develop and evaluate one new two-year partnership between an AZA SAFE program zoo and an in-range community- based conservation initiative by 10 August 2020. Rationale:Community-based conservation helps maintain viable populations of wild giraffe and AZA SAFE partners have valuable subject matter expertise in zoo-based conservation education. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 3.1 Provide and i) Enhanced education, awareness and field trips for Yr 1-3: Celebrate Cheyenne Mtn UWA Estimated support giraffe community leaders and local school chilfren to understand and World giraffe Zoo UWEC $50,000 conservation observe wild giraffe or translocations Day on June 21st Cleveland GCF education and public ii)Celebrate World Giraffe Day in communities and schools Metroparks Zoo awareness programs in/around giraffe habitats Yr 1-3: Conduct Oregon Zoo annual evaluation More partners of engagement in needed World Giraffe Day activities

3.2 Conduct social i)Social surveys conducted and results disseminated Yr 1-3: New Cheyenne Mtn UWA Estimated attitude surveys ii)Local cultural issues identified and addressed, as appropriate population Zoo UWEC $10-20,000 at/around key giraffe annually Cleveland GCF sites Metroparks Zoo Yr 1-3: Ongoing Oregon Zoo More partners needed 3.3 Increase role of i)Diet, husbandry and preventative medicine practices for Yr 1-3 Ongoing Cheyenne Mtn UWA Estimated UWEC giraffe for UWEC giraffe reviewed and modified as appropriate Zoo UWEC $15,000 conservation ii)Updated conservation messaging at UWEC giraffe exhibits Cleveland GCF education and iii)Giraffe conservation promoted through specialized UWEC Metroparks Zoo awareness events (i.e. World Giraffe Day, Environment Day Oregon Zoo More partners needed

Public Engagement Public Engagement Objective 1. Increase by 25% the number of AZA zoos and aquariums that participate in World Giraffe Day by 10 August 2020. Rationale:.Increasing public awareness of giraffe conservation issues in the USA will improve fundraising capacity and help build capacity for sustained conservation efforts. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 1.1 Celebrate World i) Giraffe conservation efforts by AZA zoos promoted Yr 1-3: annually The Living Estimated Giraffe Day annually through World Giraffe Day Desert Zoo & $1-5,000 ii)Track number of AZA institutions celebrating World Gardens Giraffe Day annually and increase number of participating Cleveland zoos by 25% by 2020 Metroparks Zoo Giraffe Safe Partners Cheyenne Mtn Zoo

Communication Communication Strategic Objective 1. Increase by 25% the number of AZA zoos and aquariums that incorporate giraffe conservation messaging on grounds by 10 August 2020. Rationale:.Increasing public awareness of giraffe conservation issues in the USA will improve fundraising capacity and help build capacity for sustained conservation efforts. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Budget Partners 1.1 Connect zoo visitors i)Messaging for zoo exhibits developed and updated with Yr 1-3: Annually The Living GCF Estimated with giraffe giraffe conservation information provide list of Desert Zoo & $1-5,000 conservation issues ii)Based on institution, add giraffe conservation messaging conservation Gardens year-round to gift shops (i.e. Juma the Giraffe book, conservation messaging sample booklets) materials to Giraffe Giraffe SAFE iii) Continue to develop concepts to connect zoo guests to SAFE Partner partners giraffe conservation (i.e. Snares for Wares programs

Funding Public Engagment Objective 1. Increase by 25% the amount of funds directed to giraffe conservation in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda by 10 August 2020. Rationale: Increased funding support for giraffe conservation in the USA will increase in-country conservation impact. Action Metrics Timeframe AZA Zoos Field Partners Budget 1.1 Attract three new i) At least three Cheyenne Mtn Zoo n/a Giraffe SAFE partner additional AZA Cleveland Metroparks zoos by 2020 institutions will sign Zoo and submit Program Partner Statements of Institutional Support to participate in Giraffe SAFE 1.2 Increase annual AZA i)Track Annual Report Yr 1-3: annually The Living Desert Zoo AZA tracks funding support for on Conservation and & Gardens spending giraffe conservation Science (ARCS) of Cleveland Metroparks AZA contributions to Zoo giraffe conservation, with goal of increasing both funding to giraffe

conservation and number of zoos supporting giraffe conservation

References Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (2017). Conservation and Research Database, Silver Spring. https://www.aza.org/. Accessed August 10, 2017

IUCN Red List Giraffe Population Estimate, 9194_Giraffe_camelopardis-population.pdf (Downloaded on 12/12/16 at htttp://www.iucnredlist.org/details/9194/0)

Muller, Z., Bercovitch, F., Fennessy, J., Brown, D., Brand, R., Brown, M., Bolger, D., Carter, K., Deacon, F., Doherty, J.,Fennesy, S., Hussein, A.A., Lee, D., Marai, A., Strauss, M., Tutchings, A. & Wube, T. 2016. Giraffa Camelopardalis, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T9194A51140239. Downloaded on 07 December 2016.

List of Appendices Appendix 1. Uganda Giraffe Programme Annual Work Plan 2016-17 Appendix 2. Africa-wide Giraffe Conservation Strategic Framework.: Road Map_August 2016