Whisky Focus - Glenmorangie Supports Research To Help Save The Giraffe

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky is supporting crucial research to help save the giraffe in the wild in Africa. And on World Giraffe Day, today 21st June 2022, it invites whisky lovers old and new to raise a toast to the work of its global conservation partnership, with a suitably long drink. While the giraffe is known and loved worldwide, few are aware that the animal is threatened with extinction. As part of efforts to reintroduce the giraffe into areas where it has become locally extinct, the whisky and its partners are undertaking ground-breaking DNA analysis that aims to ensure that these new populations are sustainable for the long term.

The giraffe has long been a beloved symbol of the Highland Distillery. The same height as a giraffe, Glenmorangie’s stills allow more space for taste and aroma, which is why its spirit is so wonderfully delicate and fruity. But the giraffe faces serious threats in the wild, from habitat loss to poaching. Numbers have fallen by 30% in just 35 years – with some populations now classed as critically endangered. To play its part in helping the giraffe, in 2020 Glenmorangie forged an international conservation partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Each year it toasts the animal with fans around the world on World Giraffe Day – June 21 – the longest day (or the longest night) of the year, for the tallest animal. And for 2022, it is sharing the recipe for a tall, refreshing and easy-to-make Orange Highball.

Now in its third year, the partnership is dedicated to reintroducing Nubian (formerly known as Rothschild’s) giraffes, to areas of Uganda where giraffes have become locally extinct. And to make sure that these new populations have the best chance for the future, Glenmorangie’s partners are introducing genetics into their monitoring plan of these reintroduced giraffe populations for the first time.

Working hand-in-hand with GCF, scientists from RZSS WildGenes at Edinburgh Zoo are conducting cutting-edge research in the UK’s only zoo-based genetics lab to analyse DNA samples from translocated animals. Their work aims to help the experts understand the genetic make-up of each population, allowing for evidence-based conservation decisions on whether additional animals should be introduced as populations grow to avoid the risks of inbreeding. Maintaining genetically diverse populations is vital for the species’ survival as they are better able to cope with future threats presented by issues such as global warming and diseases. Initial results of the studies are expected at the end of the year.

Dr Alex Ball, RZSS WildGenes Programme Manager, said: “We are excited to be working with Glenmorangie and GCF to build giraffe numbers in Africa. As populations grow, it is vital that they maintain genetic diversity, which could help the giraffe cope with future challenges such as new diseases and climate change. We believe our initial analysis of genetic markers in translocated populations can make a real difference to the future of the giraffe in the wild in Africa.”

Under the partnership, Glenmorangie has also:

• Helped to save the lives of over 300 Nubian giraffes by supporting the removal of wire snares from them, in one of the largest giraffe veterinary rescue programmes in Africa. A further 6,000 wire snares have been removed from Murchison Falls National Park, which contains the country’s largest remaining Nubian giraffe population.
   
• Helped to create a new giraffe population by translocating 29 animals to the Pian Upe Game Reserve, where the giraffe became locally extinct about 25 years ago.

GCF Conservation Director and Co-Founder Dr Julian Fennessy said: "With the continued support of Glenmorangie we are able to have a huge impact on giraffe conservation in Uganda and all throughout Africa. RZSS’s genetic research in Edinburgh will help us to monitor and secure the long-term future of giraffe populations we are reintroducing to increase their range. What is more, from Scotland to Uganda, our partnership perfectly illustrates the international nature of giraffe conservation. So wherever you are in the world, we hope you will celebrate World Giraffe Day with us and raise awareness for giraffe in Africa."

Thomas Moradpour, President and Chief Executive of The Glenmorangie Company, said: "We feel privileged to be playing a part in this important work to safeguard the giraffe, alongside our partners GCF and RZSS. Their trailblazing DNA analysis is crucial to ensuring this majestic animal‘s future. So, this World Giraffe Day, we hope whisky lovers old and new will join us to raise a glass to the work of our partners and to the giraffe."

You can learn more about the work of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation this World Giraffe Day, and support them with a donation or giraffe adoption, by visiting www.worldgiraffeday.org
 

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