In the golden light of a Free State evening, giraffes moved gracefully across the Amanzi Private Game Reserve, their long necks silhouetted against the horizon. But on Wednesday evening, 29 October 2025, the real excitement was not in the veld alone – it was in the launch of a first-of-its-kind facility in the world, where science, care, and hope converge. The University of the Free State (UFS), with support from Save the Giraffes, the Kroonstad Animal Hospital, and Absolute Genetics, unveiled its Giraffe Research Programme and Infrastructure, a space where conservationists, students, and scientists are working together to ensure that Africa’s tallest mammals have a future.

This programme is not just about research; it is about giving giraffes a chance to thrive in a changing world, safeguarding their genetic diversity, and, perhaps one day, welcoming the first giraffe calf born through advanced reproductive techniques in South Africa. For Prof Francois Deacon, the driving force behind the initiative and Lead Giraffe Researcher at the UFS, the launch represents years of unwavering dedication, global collaboration, and a dream that began long ago in South Africa’s national parks.

A journey of passion, science, and friendships

Reflecting on the road to the centre at Amanzi, Prof Deacon’s eyes lit up. “Sixteen years … it has been many, many dreams. My work began with our national parks, and that’s where the dream started. During my PhD, I became deeply involved in the academic side of giraffe research. Because of this work, I’ve been privileged to travel to 28 countries – so many doors have opened for me.”

Over the years, Prof Deacon has supervised 75 honours students, 15 master’s students, and 5 PhD candidates, while collaborating with 17 academic institutions worldwide. “We had an unbelievable amount of fun. For me, the word ‘fun’ summarises everything I do. If it’s not fun, I’m not doing it,” he said, highlighting that the journey has been defined not only by research but also by friendships and partnerships formed across continents.

The Amanzi facility is designed to support advanced studies in giraffe physiology, anatomy, genetics, reproduction, and welfare. “We can work with giraffes much like we do with cattle. We can carry out artificial insemination, embryo implants, and monitor them with sonar daily. We can track their heat and hormonal cycles, which is why it’s so important to habituate them to human presence – touch, smell, and sound,” Prof Deacon explained.

Dr Collin Albertyn, Veterinary Reproductive Specialist and Director at Absolute Genetics, added insight into the technical side: “The exciting thing about this whole project is the fact that it is going to make things so much easier to get rid of the stress associated with the capture of these animals. Now we can actually do it standing, which is an incredible, exciting thought to actually know that these animals are going to be handled stress-free.”

Yet, the work carries urgency. “Giraffe are facing a dark future on the continent. They’re going extinct. Twenty years ago, we still had giraffe in 22 countries. Now it’s less than 15 countries. So, for us, it’s a huge concern,” Prof Deacon said. The Amanzi facility allows researchers to collect data, conduct reproductive studies, and apply innovative techniques to preserve these populations. “We want to produce a baby giraffe. That is the highlight, the punch line,” he added, a smile reflecting hope and determination.

A global family for giraffe conservation

The programme owes much of its existence to Save the Giraffes, the international conservation organisation that funded the centre. Jason Pootoolal, Vice-President of Save the Giraffes, said: “We have found a family whose passion it is to share and save giraffes. The experts at Absolute Genetics, Prof Deacon and the team at the University of the Free State, and many others have come together to dedicate themselves to a common goal of giraffe conservation. And at the Giraffe Research Centre in Amanzi, we have found a home. A facility that will allow scientists, conservationists, and researchers from all over the world to come together and help giraffes find a safe future.”

Tiffany Soechting, Executive Director of Save the Giraffes, reflected on the journey: “We are so very blessed, so very honoured to be able to provide the funding to build the Giraffe Research Centre. We look forward to all the wonderful milestones this centre is going to share with the world.” Catherine Land, President of Save the Giraffes, added: “Save the Giraffes got started when rare twin giraffes were born here in Texas. Fast forward over 10 years, we’re excited to continue our research here at the Giraffe Research Centre at Amanzi, alongside our friends at the UFS and Amanzi.”

The organisation has already supported pivotal reproductive research milestones, including the collection and preservation of wild giraffe semen, the maturation of female giraffe eggs, and the creation of the first artificially fertilised giraffe embryo – steps that ensure the species’ survival for future generations.

Students, collaboration, and a brighter future

The programme has drawn attention from across the globe. Messages poured in from international students and collaborators. Miho Saito from Kyoto University, who studies giraffe behaviour, shared: “I’m very excited to hear the news about the opening of the new giraffe research programme at Amanzi. I can’t wait to visit it in the near future. Sending love from Japan.” Dr Anton Baotic from Vienna in Austria reflected: “It was an incredible collaboration, and I’m truly excited to see this new giraffe research programme come to life. My warmest congratulations to everyone involved.”

UFS students who spent time at Amanzi also expressed their enthusiasm. Chanel Lategan, a master’s student, simply said: “Today I just want to congratulate our team on this big achievement and milestone.” Sabrina Paterson, another master’s student, highlighted the scientific importance of the work: “Habitat fragmentation confines many wildlife species, including giraffe, to enclosed areas that limit their movement and restrict their access to resources. The aim of the research is to magnify the impact fragmentation has on the species and how essential the habitat environment is for the overall conservation of wildlife species.”

International partnerships further strengthen the programme. Mari van Tonder and WJ Vos, South African students studying at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, Hungary, said: “It’s such an honour to be part of a collaboration between the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest and the University of the Free State, working together to advance giraffe research.”

University leaders celebrated the achievement, too. Prof Paul Oberholster, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, said: “This moment represents far more than the unveiling of infrastructure. It marks a new chapter in how the University of the Free State contributes to conservation, science, and society. May every student and scientist who work here be inspired, stand tall, and pursue knowledge, just as the giraffes stand tall in nature.”

Dr Glen Taylor, Senior Director of the Directorate for Research Development, added: “The Giraffe Research Programme exemplifies research excellence with impact, where science meets societal and ecological relevance. It will nurture generations of scientists who will curiously and compassionately define the next era of conservation.”

From drone surveys to thermal imaging, anatomy studies to reproductive experiments, every moment at Amanzi is driven by a single goal: ensuring the survival of giraffes for generations to come. And as the team looks to the horizon, the hope is tangible – that one day soon, the Free State may witness the birth of a giraffe calf, conceived and nurtured through science, care, and unwavering dedication.