A crisp African dawn is breaking overhead, and Zibo Mounkaila is on the back of a pickup truck bounding across a sparse landscape of rocky orange soil.
The tallest animals on earth are here, the guide says, somewhere amid the scant green bush on one side, and the thatched dome villages on the other.
They're here, but by all accounts, they shouldn't be.
A hundred years ago, West Africa's last giraffes numbered in the thousands and their habitat stretched from Senegal's Atlantic Ocean coast to Chad, in the heart of the continent. By the dawn of the 21st century, their world had shrunk to a tiny zone southeast of the capital, Niamey, stretching barely 150 miles (240 kilometers) long.
Seattle team wins $900,000 in Space Elevator Games AP - 13 hours ago
Seattle team wins $900,000 in NASA-backed 'space elevator' competition in Mojave Desert
Pakistan's fashionistas defy Taliban AP - 15 hours ago
Amid drum beat of militant violence, Pakistan models take part in first fashion week
Italy takes 2-0 lead over US in Fed Cup final AP - 10 hours ago
Glatch, Oudin lose in straight sets to give Italy 2-0 lead over US in Fed Cup final
Features
Traffic School
Find places where you can race (legally!), take a car lingo test and see if you should be licensed to drive.
World War II Declassified
Take an interactive walk through the deadliest war in history.
MOST POPULAR
Hear it Now
Discover new artists and listen to free music!
Massive Astrology Guide
Find out if it's written in the stars.
What's Your Fear Factor?
Uncover your weirdest phobias.
Highway 55
Play Highway 55, the driving game with a twist: staying safe makes you a winner.
Burger Shop
Find out if you can you keep all the customers happy.