Giraffe encounter at Ruko Sanctuary

Overview

Located on the eastern shores of Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the Ruko Giraffe Sanctuary is a community-led conservation initiative dedicated to protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Established through a collaboration between the Il Chamus and Pokot communities—historically rival groups—the sanctuary is a powerful example of how conservation can foster peace and unity. In 2020, a dramatic rescue operation saw nine stranded giraffes relocated from a flooded island to the mainland sanctuary using a custom-built barge. Since then, the population has flourished, with successful breeding and plans to reintroduce them to their ancestral habitats. Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy the rare opportunity to observe Rothschild’s giraffes in their natural environment, experience the inspiring story of community cooperation, and take in the scenic landscapes of Lake Baringo. Guided tours and interactions with local rangers also provide valuable educational insights into the challenges and successes of wildlife conservation in Kenya.