Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre is a breeding centre for Rothschild Giraffes as they became an endangered species after suffering severe habitat loss in western Kenya.  Their population was as low as 130 giraffes when the centre opened about 30 years ago but their numbers have now increased to around 300 giraffes.  They are such magnificent creatures – so charismatic, gentle and exotic looking!  I could watch them forever!!  The reticulated and Masai giraffes are apparently plentiful in Kenya - it is only the Rothschild Giraffe that is an endangered species.

There was a great deal of educational material at the centre but we did not take the time to read it as we were so enthralled with the giraffes and wanted to spend every minute we had at the centre with them.  The centre provides a raised platform for viewing and feeding the giraffes.  There are many giraffes in the forested and grassy areas surrounding the platform that you could also view clearly.   We were given pellets of food and carrots to feed them as they stuck their heads over the railing on the raised platform.  It was wonderful to see them so close up.  Their coloring is so magnificent and they have huge eyes with long curly dark eyelashes.  They would allow us to pet them although they were not too enthralled with that as they were more interested in the food.  When we held out the pellets of food to them they would so gently remove them from our hands.  It is hard to believe that such a large animal can be so gentle!  One of the employees at the centre suggested that we feed them carrots from between our teeth.  We gave it a try and they gently took the carrot from between our lips but often gave us a big sloppy kiss as they were doing it.  (And you thought it was disgusting when Shia would sneak a lick on my face!!)

It was hard to say good-bye to these gentle giants but we wanted to grab some lunch before I headed off to Celia and Peterson’s new home in Nairobi.  Celia and Peterson had decided to move their family to Nairobi after being robbed in their home on the base.  They are now renting an apartment on a well secured property.  They invited me to stay with them for a night to see their new home and go to the Vineyard church with them in the morning.  Their new apartment is really lovely so I am very happy for them.  After we had a cup of brewed coffee (a real treat because I can only get instant on the base) we went shopping for dinner.  We walked through their neighborhood to a produce shop and a butchers shop.  The produce shop was quite clean and appealing but the butcher’s shop was a bit scary.  The carcass of beef that was hanging in the window was covered in flies.  The butcher cut off a slice of beef for us with a dirty knife.   He was handling it without wearing any sanitary gloves and then he placed it on a very dirty scale.  By the time we had bought it I was pretty much turned off eating it.

I had a wonderful time at their house – relaxing on their couch and watching a movie with them.  These are two treats that I have not been able to enjoy since arriving here.  The next morning I was able to have a warm shower!!!  What a treat!