Hirola, one of the world’s rarest antelope, have large tawny bodies and dark glands under their eyes used to mark their territory. With a global population size of fewer than 500, they face many threats such as habitat loss, competition with livestock and predation. In the same rangeland, the Somali giraffe’s population has declined by 80% since the 1980s. The Hirola Conservation Program (HCP), an indigenous led, non-profit organization, is restoring critical habitat, addressing threats such as poaching, diseases, and infrastructural development to conserve both of these magnificent species in eastern Kenya.
Support HCP
With WCN’s 100% model, your entire gift supports the conservationists working to protect hirola antelope and Somali giraffes in the wild.
Hirola & Giraffes:
Hirola Conservation Program (HCP)
Choose an amount to donate:
1,000+
hectares of grassland
reseeded in 2025 with native grass species that are highly adaptable to the hirola range and preferred by the hirola for grazing. Hirola Conservation Program successfully manually cleared 2,000 hectares of invasive tree species, including Acacia reficiens and Prosopis juliflora.
200+
Farms
in 2025 received affordable, innovative wildlife conflict deterrent measures, including motion-sensor solar lamps and reflective scarecrows, to reduce giraffe farm invasions. This significantly curbs farmer-giraffe conflict that had been rising for a decade, reducing crop loss and saving giraffes.
1,500+
Students and Children
Educated in 2025 at the Hirola Wildlife Education Centre, providing them with hands-on and engaging conservation learning experiences. Through structured in-class sessions, students build a strong understanding of wildlife conservation, while outdoor activities deepen their connection to nature and reinforce experiential learning.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Restoring Arawale Reserve
HCP is taking the lead in reinstating and restoring Arawale National reserve for the conservation of hirola in collaboration with Garissa County Government. This ten-year restoration project aims at restoring grasslands in areas where the hirola persist currently and will also provide alternative livelihoods.
Thriving People
Herders for Hirola
This program is a network of Somali pastoralists working to raise awareness on the plight of the hirola. The program started with 20 herders trained in hirola and wildlife ecology and conservation. By 2027, they aim to include 2,000 pastoralists, continuously improving the program to support livelihoods and ensure a future for wildlife alongside local communities.
Supporting Conservationists
Locally Operated
HCP has a core team of 11 conservationists and staff members that are employed in Kenya. WCN has supported 2 staff members to further their education through the scholarship program.
Quote“I see the hirola as my immediate relative; I feel a very strong obligation to act and put the hirola back into Noah’s ark.”
Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Founder and Director Hirola Conservation Program (HCP)
