Giraffe Conservation Foundation uses epoc Blood Gas Analyser

It’s fantastic to see the work Giraffe Conservation Foundation are doing across Africa.

GCF is committed to securing a future for all giraffe populations and envision a continent where giraffes can live wild and free within their historical range, protected by the people who share their landscape.

GCF currently supports giraffe conservation initiatives for all four species across 21 African countries, directly impacting over 100 million acres of giraffe habitat.

This work includes the GCF Wildlife Medicine and Chemical Immobilisation Course, an annual, hands-on training programme for African wildlife veterinarians. This intensive, 12-day course takes place in Namibia and brings together early-career vets from across the continent with experienced mentors. Through a dynamic combination of lectures, safety training and practical field exercises, participants build critical skills and confidence while working directly with wildlife.

Stephanie Fennessy, Executive Director at GCF says:

“For the fourth year we have now hosted a field course for African Wildlife Vets. Working in many African countries we have observed that the role of wildlife vets is becoming more and more important in conservation and while there are many fantastic young African vets around, they have often received very limited training in wildlife immobilisation and handling of dangerous drugs. Historically, experienced vets from South Africa and Namibia would travel to other countries and just take on projects. We are determined to change this and have set out to offer a unique training opportunity for young Africans. Each year, we invite a cohort of carefully selected wildlife practitioners to Namibia - fully funded by GCF.”

Woodley are delighted to be able to help by supplying an epoc Blood Gas Analyser and Test Cards.

“The participants and mentors alike were very excited to use your epoc machine in the field and analyse the blood of most of the animals we captured: giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.

Additionally, some of your recently donated cards are currently used by one of our vet mentors, Dr HO Reuter, for a white rhino study during a dehorning operation and by the University of Namibia Vet School for different purposes.” 

Please see the short report about the course for more information: https://giraffeconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Vet-Course-2025-Report.pdf

For more information about GCF see: https://giraffeconservation.org/

Photo Credit: @ Giraffe Conservation Foundation