Kidepo Valley Conservation Area — A critically endangered Nubian giraffe has been successfully treated and released back into the wild after a rapid veterinary intervention by wildlife officials in northeastern Uganda.
The rescue operation, carried out by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) veterinary and conservation teams in Kidepo Valley Conservation Area, followed reports from tourists and a game drive guide who spotted the animal limping along the Lusingiriya Track on the evening of 23 April 2026.
According to UWA, the giraffe was first reported at around 6:30 PM, but due to the late hour, the veterinary unit scheduled an immediate response for the following morning.
On 24 April 2026, the team mobilised early and located the adult female giraffe by 7:00 AM. Upon closer inspection, the animal was found to have a visible wound on its left front limb and was showing signs of severe pain and restricted movement.
Snare injury confirmed
Veterinary officers later confirmed that the giraffe had been caught in a wire snare, which had caused partial loss of the hoof on the affected limb.
Wildlife officials carried out a controlled darting procedure to safely immobilise the animal before administering treatment.
“The wound was thoroughly cleaned and treated with long-acting antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relief medication,” UWA said in its statement.
Blood samples were also collected for further laboratory analysis.
Successful recovery
Following treatment, the giraffe—estimated to be in the early stages of pregnancy—showed significant improvement. UWA reported that she regained mobility, resumed feeding, and eventually moved away safely into the savannah.
“The team monitored her closely as she walked off, showing clear signs of recovery and reduced pain,” UWA noted. “This intervention demonstrates our continued commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Most importantly, a life was saved.”
Conservation concerns
The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing threat posed by illegal wire snares in protected areas, which continue to injure and kill wildlife across Uganda’s national parks and conservation zones.
Conservationists say such interventions underscore the importance of rapid response systems and community vigilance in protecting endangered species like the Nubian giraffe, whose population remains under pressure from habitat loss and poaching-related threats.
UWA has urged visitors and tourism guides to continue reporting any unusual wildlife behaviour or injuries to support timely conservation action.
