Effective Field Immobilisation and Capture of Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Abstract

One of the highest occurrences of mortalities among giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) takes place during immobilisations, captures and translocations. Common mistakes, human error, unforeseen risks, the awkward anatomy and the sheer size of the animal are leading factors for giraffes’ mortalities during these operations. Many risks can be circumvented but some risks are unpreventable, often due to terrain characteristics (rivers, deep ditches, holes and rocky terrain). From 2011 to 2021, seventy-five giraffes were successfully immobilised and captured to collect biological and physiological data from eight different study areas across South Africa. A 0% mortality and injury rate was achieved and, therefore, the techniques described in this paper are testimony to the advances and improvements of capture techniques and drugs. Biological information and capture experiences were noted for 75 immobilised giraffes, of which, knockdown time data were recorded for 43 individuals. Effective and safe immobilisation requires a competent team, proper planning, skill and knowledge. In this manuscript, we address procedures, techniques, ethical compliance, welfare and safety of the study animals. General experiences and lessons learned are also shared and should benefit future captures and immobilisations by limiting the risks involved. The sharing of experiences and information could influence and improve critical assessments of different capture techniques and can likely contribute to the success rate of immobilisation and translocation success for giraffes in the future.

Climatic factors affecting seasonal movements of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in a semi‐arid region of South Africa

“…The giraffes were captured, and the collars fitted during April 2012. The capture of the giraffes by way of chemical immobilisation was conducted with an experienced game capture team under the supervision of two specialist veterinary scientists (Deacon et al, 2022). Permission was obtained and the research complied with the relevant animal ethical committees.…”

“…The capture of the giraffes by way of chemical immobilisation was conducted with an experienced game capture team under the supervision of two specialist veterinary scientists (Deacon et al, 2022).…”

A Preliminary Study on the Siphon Mechanism in Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

“…Side effects of opioid medicines include respiratory depression, continuous excitement, inflexibility, rigid muscles, hyperthermia, hypertension and gut motility depression [ 31 ]. Failure to reverse the immobilising drugs can easily result in death [ 31 , 32 ]. After administering the antagonist drug, the giraffe regains full consciousness and is awake during measurements.…”