Giraffes are found in savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands across Africa, but the Rothschild subspecies is now restricted to small populations in protected areas of Kenya and northern Uganda. This subspecies is also known as the Baringo giraffe due to its historical presence around Lake Baringo in Kenya.

As strict herbivores, Rothschild giraffes primarily consume leaves and buds from trees. Adult males can eat up to 80 kg of leaves per day, and their stomach is specially adapted to digest large amounts of plant material through its chambered structure.
Giraffes typically live in small herds, with males and females (including their calves) separating outside the mating season. They can run at speeds of up to 56 kmph but cannot jump. When threatened, giraffes defend themselves with powerful kicks.
Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 14 to 16 months. Calves are often born while the mother is standing, which means the newborn falls about two metres at birth. Sadly, up to half of giraffe calves do not survive their first year in the wild.

The Rothschild giraffe has been eradicated from much of its former habitat, and fewer than 1,400 individuals remain in the wild in western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Habitat destruction due to agriculture and development, as well as past hunting for their hides and tail hairs, have contributed to their Near Threatened status.

Giraffes sleep while standing up but only for about five minutes at a time, remaining alert for predators. On average, they sleep for only about two hours a day. Despite their long necks, giraffes, like humans, have seven cervical vertebrae.

Over the last 40 years, the Rothschild giraffe has been part of Fota Wildlife Park’s long-standing efforts in giraffe conservation. The park’s herd feeds primarily on willow branches, which are grown and harvested locally. The park carefully manages the rotation of males and females to prevent conflicts within the herd.