Giraffe Centre

Founded in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Initially established as a breeding center, it has evolved into a conservation and education facility that has successfully increased the Rothschild’s giraffe population in Kenya from a mere 120 in the 1970s to over 1,500 today.

Founded in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville when only 120 Rothschild giraffes remained in the wild. The couple started with two orphaned giraffes at their Langata home, creating Africa’s first giraffe sanctuary that became model for community-based conservation.

Pioneering giraffe conservation center representing Kenya’s commitment to wildlife protection and environmental education. Home to endangered Rothschild giraffes, the center bridges urban Nairobi with East African wildlife heritage through hands-on conservation experiences.

The iconic Giraffe Manor-style raised platforms allow eye-level giraffe encounters, revolutionizing wildlife interaction design. The naturalistic enclosures blend with indigenous Langata forest, creating seamless habitat that respects both wildlife needs and visitor experience.

Beloved Nairobi institution that educated generations of Kenyan schoolchildren about conservation. The center’s breeding program saved Rothschild giraffes from extinction while providing sustainable employment for local communities through eco-tourism and education programs.