Majestic images of giraffes have been selected for a new book aimed at raising funds to protect endangered wildlife. The publication, Remembering Giraffes, will be released on October 12 and features 20 winning photographs chosen from a global competition.
Book Series Supporting Conservation
This book is the latest in a series of photographic volumes documenting threatened species, including rhinos, elephants, and African wild dogs. Since the series began in 2016, more than £1.2 million has been raised and donated to 82 conservation initiatives across 35 countries.
Winning Image: The Language Of Touch
Among the winners is Mark Fernley from the UK, whose photograph titled The Language Of Touch captures three bull Masai giraffes intertwining their necks at a waterhole in Shompole Conservancy, Kenya. Fernley described the moment: “With no force, no dominance posturing, the trio gently entwined their long necks, rubbing together in a slow, deliberate exchange that lasted nearly 20 seconds. Masai giraffes are often associated with dramatic sparring displays, yet moments like this reveal a more nuanced social world – one built not only on competition, but also on tactile communication and affiliative bonds. At Shompole, even the tallest giants remind us that the wild is full of unexpected tenderness.”
Contributions from Renowned Photographers
The 20 winning images will be featured alongside photographs of all four giraffe species contributed by leading wildlife photographers, including Wim van den Heever and Daryl Balfour, who also served as competition judges.
Founder's Message
Margot Raggett, founder and producer of the wildlife book series, said: “Photographers from around the world answered our call once again and entered striking images of giraffes in their natural habitat for our competition. These 20 competition winners rightly deserve their place among our regular contributors, whose stunning work has made the series possible. Giraffes are disappearing because of habitat loss, poaching and civil unrest and, because they are quiet, gentle creatures, their decline has gone largely unnoticed. The good news is that, where giraffes are protected, populations can recover. Remembering Giraffes aims to shine a light on the threats affecting giraffes and help ensure that future generations don’t just remember giraffes but see them standing tall in the wild.”
Crowdfunding Success
A Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for producing the book has already exceeded £107,000 within just 48 hours of its launch in March. The campaign will run until 8pm on Sunday, offering rewards to supporters based on their pledge amounts.
