Nature

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Welcomes Baby Giraffe and Continues Work of Giraffe Conservation

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch near New Braunfels recently welcomed a new baby giraffe to its herd. Baby “Faith” was born in late 2017 and marks the 32nd baby born at the Wildlife Ranch since 1984. This birth is particularly important because wild reticulated giraffe populations have declined by 80% in the last 15 years.

Giraffe Ambassador Program

giraffe

Photo: Facebook/NaturalBridgeWildlifeRanch

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch works hard at conservation causes throughout the park. NBWR’s Giraffe Ambassador Program, which began in September 2015, educated 140 visitors on the giraffe’s plight in the wild, giraffe biology and care, and what visitors can do to help giraffes in the wild.

To learn a species endangered status for animals that live on the ranch, NBWR relies on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List on Threatened Species, which is the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species and their links to livelihoods. In December 2016, the IUCN reclassified giraffes from least concern to vulnerable. The reclassification is a significant step in assuring giraffes receive protection.

Researchers know that wild giraffes are dying at a rapid and unusual rate, and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is sounding the alarm, sharing information, supporting research, “I can’t imagine our planet without giraffe running wild,” said NBWR Animal Specialist Tiffany Soechting.

Over 450 Scenic Acres

baby giraffe

Photo: Facebook/NaturalBridgeWildlifeRanch

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has taken to heart the care of animals from all over the world for over 30 years.  With over 450-acres of natural, scenic, protected environment where animal populations thrive, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch takes pride in showcasing and sharing with its guests the amazing creatures from all over the world.  The safari trek covers miles of the scenic Texas Hill Country, creek beds, and magnificent live oak trees and guests witness the behavior of over 500 animals from 40 exotic, native and endangered animal species worldwide.

The safari takes visitors about an hour to an hour-and-a-half to drive through once and multiple treks are encouraged as every trip through the ranch is a different adventure.  One part education, one part preservation; mixing it up for a day full of fun and adventure.

To learn more about the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and to plan your visit to see Faith, visit their website for more information.