Giraffe Manor

Betty the giraffe, born in 2000 and arriving at Giraffe Manor in 2002, is one of the smallest and most beautiful giraffes, though also the shyest. She is named after Betty Leslie-Melville, ‘The Giraffe Lady,’ who, along with her husband Jock, purchased the manor in the 1970s. Upon learning about the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, they dedicated themselves to conservation. The breeding and conservation program at Giraffe Manor, which continues today, stands as Betty's lasting legacy.

Daisy II, named after the original Daisy Rothschild, was hand-raised by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. Her last calf, Ibrahim, was born in October 2011, and her daughter Helen was born in front of the manor in 2009. Daisy II also had other calves, including Frank, who was released into Lake Nakuru National Park at two years old. The Leslie-Melvilles wrote the bestselling book “Raising Daisy Rothschild,” which helped fund the relocation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes to Kenya's national parks. Today, Daisy IV remains at the manor, born in August 2009, recognizable by her right ear with a missing pointed tip. Her room offers westward views of the Ngong Hills.

Jock-the-giraffe, named after Jock Leslie-Melville, lived to be 22 years old and 19 feet tall, fathering over twenty calves, many of which have been successfully released into Kenya’s national parks. He passed away in July 2009. His room, which still attracts giraffes seeking treats in the early mornings, offers pellets that guests can feed to the giraffes through the window, just as the Leslie-Melvilles did when they first raised giraffes at the manor. From Jock’s room, you can also see the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) Giraffe Centre, founded by Jock in the 1970s.

Built in 1932 as a private residence, the manor's rooms were originally designed to meet the family's needs and reflect the style of a traditional Scottish hunting lodge. Marlon’s room was once two smaller children’s or nanny bedrooms, known as Lynn and Marlon. In June 2019, the wall between them was removed to create a spacious 36-square-meter room. The room features twin beds that can be converted into a large double, with an adjoining sitting area and a sofa that can turn into a child’s bed. An east-facing balcony offers guests the perfect height to feed giraffes as they pass by.

Lynn’s room is named after a beloved giraffe who was the guardian of the Rothschild’s giraffe herd for many years. Born in 1996, Lynn had five calves at the sanctuary and was known for her kind, reliable nature. She passed away in 2015. Lynn was named after Lynn Sherr, an award-winning ABC news correspondent and passionate giraffe enthusiast. Sherr’s book, Tall Blondes, is a celebrated work on giraffes. The room, located on the ground floor of the manor, was once the original kitchen before being transformed into the welcoming space it is today.

Karen Blixen came to Kenya from Denmark to marry Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke and start a dairy farm, only to discover that he had invested in coffee instead. Despite her struggles with coffee cultivation, her resilience earned her great respect. In 1964, the Danish government gifted Blixen’s house to Kenya as an independence present. After her autobiography Out of Africa was turned into an Academy Award-winning film in 1985, the house became a museum. The Karen Blixen room at Giraffe Manor, located on the top floor, offers a spacious two-bedroom suite, the largest at the manor. Rebuilt and relocated in 2019, the room features a south-facing balcony where guests can feed giraffes in the early morning.

Helen-the-giraffe, born in front of the manor on August 1st, 2009, sadly passed away in May 2015. A natural leader with a mischievous streak, she was the daughter of Daisy II. Helen was named after Sister Helen, a Catholic nun and friend of Betty Leslie-Melville, who co-purchased the manor with her husband Jock in the 1970s. Sister Helen played a key role in bringing Betty to Africa for the first time. Helen’s room, located in the Garden Manor, is a spacious 43-square-metre corner room, often visited by giraffes seeking treats in the morning. Guests can enjoy feeding the giraffes from Helen’s windows before breakfast.

Kelly-the-giraffe, born in Nakuru National Park and brought to the Giraffe Centre in 2002, is affectionately nicknamed Grace Kelly due to her graceful, aloof nature. Easily recognized by her light coat and prominent ossicone, Kelly is often the first to arrive for treats and the last to leave. Known as the resident "head-butter," it's best to stay in front of her! She was named after Kelly O’Connell, a US-based wildlife supporter and director of The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Kelly’s room, located upstairs in the Garden Manor, is 45 square metres and features traditional cane furnishings, along with a striking stained-glass wall in the bathroom.

Arlene-the-giraffe, born in June 1994, sadly passed away from natural causes in April 2012. Despite her petite size, she was known for her affectionate nature, sharing love with visitors. Arlene was named after Arlene Burzinski, who headed the British Airways Conservation projects that greatly supported The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Although Burzinski has since left British Airways, she remains on AFEW's board of directors. Arlene’s room, located on the upper floor of the Garden Manor, is 28 square metres in size.

Salma-the-giraffe, born at Giraffe Manor in November 2011, is Betty’s daughter. While friendly, she is a bit shy, likely due to a traumatic experience when she was attacked by a lion at just one year old. Salma still carries the scars of that attack and has shown incredible resilience, surviving the loss of two calves shortly after their birth. Her room is one of the newest at the manor, added in April 2017 to the top floor of the Garden Manor. It offers south-facing views over the lunch courtyard and the sanctuary forest beyond.

Edd-the-giraffe, born at Giraffe Manor in July 2011 to Jock and Lynn, is now the dominant male and father to all the young calves at the sanctuary. A gentle giant, Edd enjoys being fed from Jock’s room and is known for his affectionate nature, happily accepting hugs in exchange for a few pellets. Easily recognized as the largest giraffe, his offspring quickly move aside in deference when he appears. Edd’s room is one of the newest at the manor, added in April 2017 to the Garden Manor section of the property.

In 1911, Denys Finch Hatton came to British East Africa with money inherited from his late uncle, purchasing land near what is now Eldoret. He met Karen Blixen in 1918, and after her divorce in 1925, he moved into her house, where he stayed until his tragic death in May 1931, when his Gypsy Moth crashed in Tsavo National Park. Per his wishes, Blixen buried him in the Ngong Hills. The room named after him is located on the ground floor of the Garden Manor, offering views of the giraffes and other wildlife that often wander nearby in the early morning.