Rothschild Giraffe

The Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) is very limited in number, only a few hundred left, making them the second most endangered giraffe subspecies. They are also known as the Ugandan Giraffe and the Baringo Giraffe.

The current populations of the Rothschild Giraffe are strongly protected, and live in safeguarded areas in Uganda and Kenya. Breeding programs are in place in Kenya and in England in an attempt to grow the Rothschild Giraffe population.

Rothschild Giraffe Appearance

To people who recognize Giraffes, the Rothschild Giraffe is actually quite easy to distinguish. The coloring of the pelt differs greatly from other subspecies. The patches themselves are lighter in color, looking almost brownish-orange, as opposed to a dark brown seen in others. The edges of the patches start to blend into the cream-colored hair in-between, while other giraffe’s patches are sharp with definitive edges. The Rothschild Giraffe also has no lower-leg markings, leaving their legs a pale white or cream color. All giraffes have horns, but only the Rothschild Giraffe has five. Two appear in the normal position on top of the head, and these are actually the only ‘true’ horns. The third grows in the middle of the forehead, with the other two appearing behind the ears.