An Evening with Dr. Julian Fennessy
Giraffe conservation with a dash of wit and wisdom
On 14 November, join us at the Royal Geographical Society in London for On the Edge, where Dr. Julian Fennessy, the charismatic and insightful Co-Founder and Director of Conservation at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), will share his experiences from more than two decades of protecting one of Africa’s most iconic species.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Julian’s passion for Africa began early. At just 16, he spent a transformative year in South Africa, sparking his fascination with the continent’s wildlife and landscapes. However, it was during his work as an ecologist for the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia that his dedication to giraffes truly took hold. Studying the interaction between giraffes and elephants in Namibia’s arid northwest, he became captivated by the unique ecology of these gentle giants. Since 1997, Julian has called Namibia home, living there with his wife Steph, co-founder and co-director of GCF, and their children, while continuing his vital conservation work.
Julian’s career has taken him across every corner of Africa, working with all four giraffe species and their subspecies. He has led efforts to assess populations, develop conservation strategies, and execute impactful projects, such as giraffe translocations—moving giraffe from one area to another to establish satellite populations. Through these efforts, Julian has played a critical role in reversing the decline of giraffe populations, giving them a better chance to thrive in the wild.
As the technical expert at GCF, Julian coordinates all giraffe conservation efforts across Africa, from overseeing field projects and supervising students, to advising national governments on regional conservation strategies. He co-founded the IUCN SSC Giraffe & Okapi Specialist Group, where his 12 years of leadership helped shape global conservation policies for these remarkable species.
What truly sets Julian apart, however, is not just his expertise, but his ability to captivate and entertain audiences. With his Australian wit and engaging storytelling, he brings the world of giraffe conservation to life, drawing listeners into his tales from the deserts of Namibia to the wilderness of Niger. Whether recounting his fieldwork or discussing the complexities of giraffe ecology, Julian’s talks are both informative and highly entertaining.
Explorers Against Extinction has supported several of GCF’s conservation projects in Chad, Uganda, Niger, Namibia, and Garamba National Park in the DRC, forming a strong and lasting partnership that has contributed to the protection of giraffes across Africa.
Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply fascinated by giraffe, Julian’s talk promises to provide new insights into the remarkable efforts being undertaken to save these gentle giants from the brink of extinction.
Secure Your Tickets Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading conservationists. Get your tickets today for the event at the RGS on 14 November, and join us for an evening dedicated to safeguarding our wild world.
20% off tickets for EAE supporters with code RYZZWK
