One of the world’s rarest giraffe subspecies could have a brighter future after a young male joined the herd at Longleat.
The Wiltshire safari park has welcomed Stanley, an almost four-year-old Nubian giraffe, who is expected to play an important role in an international conservation breeding programme designed to protect the critically endangered species.
According to conservation experts, there are thought to be just 455 mature Nubian giraffes remaining in the wild, making them one of the rarest giraffe subspecies on the planet.
Stanley’s arrival marks a significant milestone for Longleat, which has established one of Europe’s most successful breeding groups for the animals.
The young bull arrived at the safari park on Wednesday and will initially spend time settling into a separate paddock beside the giraffe house in the Drive Through Safari. Keepers say this will allow him to gradually become familiar with the park’s existing herd before eventually joining them on the main reserve.
Longleat’s current tower of giraffes consists of nine females, all of which were born at the park through the European Endangered Species Programme, a collaborative effort between zoos and wildlife parks to safeguard vulnerable species.
Staff hope Stanley will eventually help continue Longleat’s impressive breeding record and contribute to the long-term survival of Nubian giraffes.
Darren Beasley said: “It’s fantastic to welcome a new bull giraffe to our herd with the prospect of once again helping the EEP.
“We sadly lost our previous bull, Thorn, in 2024, who fathered 29 calves in his lifetime. Longleat has been one of the most successful hubs for the breeding programmes of Nubian giraffes, so to start that journey again is a privilege.”
The arrival comes after the loss of Thorn, the park’s previous breeding male, who played a key role in the conservation programme and fathered dozens of calves during his lifetime.
Although Stanley is already an impressive sight, standing between 3.5 and four metres tall, he still has some growing to do. Fully grown male Nubian giraffes can reach heights of up to six metres, making them the tallest of all giraffe subspecies.
The animals were previously known as Rothschild’s giraffes, but scientific research in recent years led to their reclassification as Nubian giraffes.
Visitors to Longleat can now catch a glimpse of Stanley as he settles into his new surroundings. His arrival comes during a landmark year for the attraction, which is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its pioneering Drive Through Safari.
Park officials hope Stanley’s move will help ensure the continued success of international efforts to protect one of Africa’s most threatened mammals, while giving visitors the chance to learn more about the challenges facing wildlife conservation around the world.
