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Giraffe Research Centre
The giraffe research programme and infrastructure facility at Amanzi Private Game Reserve marks the next phase in a research journey that has already placed the UFS at the forefront of giraffe science.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is taking wildlife research to new heights. On Wednesday 29 October 2025, the university will officially launch the giraffe research programme and infrastructure facility at the Amanzi Private Game Reserve near Brandfort – a first-of-its-kind in the world, dedicated to advancing local and international scientific collaboration in the study and conservation of giraffes.

The launch marks the next phase in a research journey that has already placed the UFS at the forefront of giraffe science. Over the past decade, a team of researchers, led by Prof Francois Deacon from the Department of Animal Science, has made significant contributions to understanding giraffe behaviour, physiology, and ecology. Building on pioneering work in reproductive technologies, endocrinology, anatomy, and disease, the new infrastructure combines on-site research laboratories with spacious, stress-free habitats. In this hands-on environment, veterinarians, scientists, and students can work closely with giraffes while promoting their welfare and supporting both local and international research projects.

Over the past seven years, his team has conducted 254 successful sedations and captures, carefully building the expertise needed for the next delicate step: the first embryo transfer in wild giraffes.

“This dedicated research facility will provide a safe and controlled environment where the world’s first giraffe embryo can develop and grow, and where we can collaborate to produce the science needed to turn the extinction of the giraffe around,” he explains. “The general public may not see the results immediately, but 20 years from now, what we are doing today will be vital in creating a biobank of viable giraffe embryos and calves that can be used in surrogate animals, supporting sustainable conservation practices for future generations.”

This programme will allow researchers to expand their understanding of the world’s tallest land mammal in ways that were not possible before. “From conducting sedation and sample collection to pioneering reproductive techniques such as semen preservation and embryo transfer, the facility provides an environment where we can study, among others, giraffe genetics, reproductive biology, and physiology; knowledge that is important for their conservation and survival,” says Prof Deacon. 

About 12 departments at the UFS are already involved in the research project in one way or another. This includes from the Department of Animal Science to the Departments of Zoology and Entomology, as well as Chemistry and even Information and Communication and Technology Services, which contributes to 3D-modelling, software, and monitoring of the animals. 

The project also offers opportunities for collaboration with conservation organisations and universities worldwide, positioning the UFS as a leading hub for giraffe and large-mammal research in Africa. Current partners who share Prof Deacon’s vision for giraffe conservation on the African continent include Save the Giraffes (a US-based NGO), Absolute Genetics, Ramsem, and the Kroonstad Animal Hospital.

Despite their towering presence on the African continent, giraffes are quietly disappearing. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as Vulnerable, with populations declining by more than 40% over the past three decades. Today, fewer than 100 000 remain in the wild – a sobering reminder that their future is far from secure and that research excellence like this is key to ensure their survival.

“We have all the technology and all the expertise to make a change. Now is the time to bring about this change to secure the future of giraffes on this continent,” Prof Deacon concludes, emphasising the UFS’ commitment to sustainability, care, and conservation.

News Archive

New challenges for animal science discussed
2006-04-04

Some of the guests attending the congress were from the left Dr Heinz Meissner (honorary president of the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) and senior manager at the Animal Production Institute of the Agricultural Research Council), Mr Paul Bevan (President of SASAS) and Prof Magda Fourie (Vice-Rector:  Academic Planning at the UFS).
Photo: Lacea Loader

New challenges for animal science discussed  

The South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) is presenting its 41st Congress at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Main Campus in Bloemfontein. 

The congress started yesterday and will run until Thursday 6 April 2006.  The theme is New challenges for the animal science industries.

It is one of the largest congresses in the 45 years since SASAS was founded in 1961.  Among the delegates 12 African countries are represented, with the biggest delegation from Kenya.  Delegates are also from the United States of America, Iran, Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal and African countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana.

“Many of our members play an important role in the training of animal scientists at universities.  The congress is specifically industry orientated so that scientists can interact with farmers through the respective producer organisations,” said Prof HO de Waal, Chairperson of the organising committee and lecturer at the UFS Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences.

According to Dr Heinz Meissner, honorary president of SASAS and a senior manager at the Animal Production Institute of the Agricultural Research Council, the National Livestock Strategy (NLS) Plan clarifies the role and responsibility of the livestock sector. 

“Through this strategy we need to focus on enhancing equitable access and participation in livestock agriculture, improve global competitiveness and profitability of the livestock sector and ensure that the ventures implemented do not over utilise our resources,” said Dr Meissner.

In her welcoming address, Prof Magda Fourie, Vice-Rector:  Academic Planning at the UFS highlighted the related challenges that the UFS will be focusing on specifically over the next five years.  “We have identified five strategic clusters that represent broad areas of excellence in research and post-graduate education.  Two of these are food production, quality and safety for Africa and sustainable development,” she said.

“The food safety and security cluster will focus on the production of food in all its varieties within the African context, encompassing the entire value chain – from production to consumption and nutrition related issues.  This would include a strong emphasis on sustainable production systems,” she said.

According to Prof Fourie the rural development cluster will engage in questions around the role of higher education in sustainable development.  “One of the focus areas in this strategic cluster pertains to sustainable livelihoods.  It refers to a way of approaching development that incorporates all aspects of human livelihoods and means by which people obtain them,” she said.

Prof Fourie said that the challenges we are facing such as food production can only be effectively addressed through collaborative efforts.  “That is why it is important that collaboration takes place between different scientific disciplines, researchers, institutions and countries who are confronted with similar difficulties,” she said.

According to Prof de Waal the congress will give key role players a unique opportunity to present a profile of what they perceive an animal scientist should be and state their specific requirement regarding the animal sciences and its applications. 

“In this way we can determine what the industry’s needs are and we can re-align our curriculum to suit these needs,” said Prof de Waal.

During the next two days, various areas of interest will be discussed.  This includes ruminant and monogastric nutrition, animal physiology, beef, dairy, sheep and ostrich breeding and sustainable farming covering the range from commercial to the small-scale farming level.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
4 April 2006

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