Angolan giraffe

The Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis), also known as the Namibian giraffe or smokey giraffe, is a special type of giraffe. It belongs to the Southern Giraffe family and lives in parts of northern Namibia, south-western Zambia, Botswana, western Zimbabwe, and Angola.

This giraffe was brought back to Iona National Park in Angola in mid-2023 after being away for some time. Its unique coat pattern makes it different from other giraffes, helping scientists and nature lovers identify it easily.

Giraffes like this one are important to the environment because they eat leaves high up in trees, helping to keep the forests healthy. They are also a wonderful sight for people who visit these areas, bringing joy and excitement to everyone who sees them.

Taxonomy

In August 2025, scientists said there are four kinds of giraffes: the Northern Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, Masai Giraffe, and Southern Giraffe. The Angolan giraffe is now one kind of Southern Giraffe. Some older studies from 2009 thought there might be two kinds in the northern Namib Desert and Etosha National Park, but newer studies do not agree with this. These newer studies also think giraffes in southern Zimbabwe might be Angolan giraffes, meaning they live farther east than we thought.

Description

The Angolan giraffe has large brown spots with edges that can look jagged or pointy. These spots cover its legs but stop before the top of its face. The patches on its neck and rump are usually small, and it also has a white patch near its ear.

Habitat

The Angolan giraffe lives in areas with less food, such as the Namib Desert, and in areas with more food, such as Lake Manyara National Park. Their habitat can change due to weather, food availability, and the number of nearby people.

Seasonal movement

Giraffes in this area don't move around much with the seasons like giraffes in other places. Males travel farther than females. Males cover about 5.64 km each day during the hot-dry season, while females move around 1.87 km each day in the same period.

Foraged activity

The Angolan giraffe goes to the mountains to find food during the cold-dry and early hot-dry seasons. Its main food is a plant called Commiphora.

Conservation

There are about 13,000 Angolan giraffes left in the wild, with around 20 living in zoos. You can see these giraffes in places like Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park. They run, drink, and eat from trees.