With synchronised pulls and tugs on rope strings, a wildlife team united their skills and strength to capture and care for a rather protesting giraffe bull that had a concerning limp.
Mpumalanga, South Africa (10 February 2026) – The week has only just started, but it has already demanded all hands on deck for the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary staff and volunteers after rangers reported a giraffe bull in the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) of the reserve, displaying a concerning limp.
According to those who know best, giraffe capture is never easy. It requires a highly skilled team, absolute professionalism, and constant communication.
“Veterinarian Dr Chris Smith [from African Wildlife Vets] and his experienced game-capture team were called in to work alongside the Care for Wild team in what quickly became a demanding, high-stakes operation,” the organisation said.
A shared video of the capture shows members working together, albeit with great difficulty, to pull the blindfolded giraffe in order to do a quick assessment of his wound and load him into a truck to receive further care.
“Rope work is complex and requires exceptional synchronisation. Fortunately, our teams have worked together for many years, and that familiarity and preparation make all the difference,” Care for Wild explained.
The giraffe was found to have a severe abscess in his foot and was treated immediately. However, he still needed to be relocated within the IPZ to an area where he could be closely monitored and would face less competition while healing.
“The team proceeded to ensure he was safely guided, loaded, transported, and then released into the new area.”
The Care for Wild rescue and rehabilitation team consistently places the welfare of wildlife at the heart of everything they do. With their dedication and expertise, there is every confidence that this giraffe will receive the best possible care and support, giving him a strong chance to recover and once again roam freely in the wild.
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Sources: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
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