Campaigners Sue US Government Over Failure To Protect Giraffes

Latest update in America’s shocking trade in giraffe parts, as conservationists now file a lawsuit after the government denies giraffes any protective measures.

Last week we reported on how campaigners are urging the U.S. to ban the trade of giraffe parts, as experts warn that the trade is helping to fuel the rapid decline in giraffe populations.

Now, with fewer than 69,000 mature giraffes remaining in the wild, campaigners have joined together to step up their fight for giraffes, and are set to sue the government due to its inaction in protecting the endangered species. 

On October 14, conservation and animal protection groups joined together to file a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to consider Endangered Species Act protections for Africa’s rapidly dwindling giraffe population.

After years of petitions and campaigns calling for giraffe protections, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finally determined last year that giraffes may qualify for protections under the Act - but the agency has since failed to make a decision or implement any protective measures.

“The United States has an important role to play in preventing extinction of these magnificent creatures, as the top importer of giraffe trophies, and as many Americans import giraffe parts — including bones and skins — to sell them for commercial purposes in the U.S.,” said Adam Peyman, of Humane Society International (HSI). “The time has long passed for the Fish and Wildlife Service to take action and put in place desperately needed protections.”

Giraffe populations have dropped nearly 40% due to habitat loss, civil unrest and poaching and the international trade in bone carvings, skins and trophies puts additional pressure on these iconic animals, says HSI. 

Shockingly, an undercover investigation by HSI in 2018 found that 40,000 giraffe parts were imported into the US from Africa between 2006-2015. These imports included 3,700 giraffe “trophies”. 

The investigation also found that among the items for sale in the US, were a stuffed baby giraffe for $8,000, giraffe skin bible covers, and giraffe skin throw pillows.  

“Giraffes are loved by people around the world, so it’s shocking and sad that the U.S. government is ignoring their tragic plight,” says Tanya Sanerib, of the Center for Biological Diversity. “As giraffe populations plummet, these extraordinary creatures desperately need the Endangered Species Act’s sturdy shield. But three years after we petitioned for protections, federal officials are still stalling on safeguards for everyone’s favorite longnecked mammal.”  

---

More stories:

---

Species Unite

A collection of stories of those who fight the good fight on behalf of animals.

---