Incredible Photos Shine a Light on Giraffes in Africa

Oct 18, 2026

A silhouette of a giraffe stands in a grassy field beneath a dramatic, golden sunbeam breaking through dark clouds. — Andy Rouse

Remembering Giraffes is the latest book in the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series. It features images donated by world-leading wildlife photographers, such as Jonathan & Angela Scott, Marsel van Oosten, Frans Lanting, and Greg du Toit, in a stunning collection showcasing the world’s tallest mammal.

Although giraffes are instantly recognized around the world, most people are not aware they are vulnerable. Giraffes have lost almost 90% of their habitat in the past 300 years and are locally extinct in at least seven African countries. In the past four decades, since 1985, numbers have fallen dramatically – by up to 40%, according to IUCN data.

A giraffe stands in a wide-legged stance at night, drinking from a dark pool of water that creates a perfect reflection. — Ann and Steve Toon.

A herd of zebras, a group of giraffes, and an ostrich stand together on a dry, dusty plain under a clear blue sky. — Art Wolfe

A red-billed oxpecker perches on the back of a young giraffe, which is looking toward the bird. — Daryl and Sharna Balfour

A giraffe stands at the edge of a watering hole at sunset, surrounded by a large flock of birds flying against a cloudy sky with distant mountains in the background. — Federico Veronesi

Remembering Wildlife exists to raise awareness of the plight facing wildlife, as well as funds to protect species at risk. More than 62,000 books have been sold worldwide since its first title, Remembering Elephants, was published in 2016. All profits from the books go to conservation and more than £1.28m GBP/$1.66m USD has been donated to 86 projects in 36 countries. So far, 316 photographers from around the world have donated images to the series.

An aerial view shows four giraffes walking across a dry, sandy landscape, casting long shadows in the low sunlight. — Isak Pretorius Luangwa

A silhouette of an acacia tree stands in the foreground against a dark blue sky, with the moon rising behind a distant mountain and a giraffe walking in the distance. — Marsel van Oosten

A large giraffe grazes on low bushes in a grassy savanna, with a smaller giraffe standing in the background and a bird perched on the larger giraffe's back. — M and C Denis Huot

Two giraffes graze on a dry, sparse landscape under a large, pink sunset. — Keith Connelly

“People love giraffes, but many don’t realize they are in trouble. Most people assume giraffes are thriving but, in fact, populations have fallen by up to 40% since 1985,” says Remembering Wildlife founder and producer Margot Raggett MBE.

“In certain protected areas they have become a taken-for-granted presence to travelers on safari, their silhouettes woven into our idea of the African landscape. Yet elsewhere, smaller and more isolated populations remain fragile and easily forgotten.”

A giraffe walks through a grassy savanna with a large, snow-capped mountain in the background under a clear blue sky. — Thomas D. Mangelsen

A silhouette of a giraffe stands in tall grass against a large, bright orange sunset with a small bird flying nearby. — Todd Gustafson

A group of giraffes stands in a dry, arid landscape beneath a dramatic, dark, and cloudy sky with mountains in the background. — Will Burrard-Lucas

Two giraffes stand at the edge of a dark pool of water at night, their bodies and reflections illuminated against a black background. — Wilm van Den Heever

“Habitat loss, fragmentation, agriculture, fences, roads and human settlement increasingly divide ancient migratory routes and isolate populations into small pockets of habitat. In some regions, giraffes are still hunted for bushmeat, while elsewhere, conflict and political instability make meaningful conservation extraordinarily difficult,” adds Raggett.

“The photographs in Remembering Giraffes show what’s at stake if Africa loses one of its most iconic animals.”

An adult giraffe and its calf face each other in a close-up, with text overlay reading "Remembering Giraffes" and "Wildlife Photographers United.

Each book costs £55 (approximately $75) and copies can be ordered from the Remembering Wildlife website.  All profits from sales of the book will go to giraffe conservation projects.

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