WORLD GIRAFFE DAY

WORLD GIRAFFE DAY

World Giraffe Day on June 21st delivers a tall order of celebration by the Giraffe Conservation Federation. Initiated to bring global awareness to the tallest animals in our kingdom on the longest day of the year, this annual celebration invites animal lovers, zoos, and conservationists everywhere to stand tall for giraffes and protect their future in the wild.

#WorldGiraffeDay

Giraffes are loved worldwide and are a staple of children's books. As adorable as they are, they are also facing a quiet, devastating crisis in the wild. It is estimated that only about 117,000 giraffes remain in the wild today and many conservationists call the "Silent Extinction." In fact, in certain regions giraffe habitat population numbers have plummeted by as much as 95% due to habitat fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

World Giraffe Day serves as a vital global platform to fundraise, educate the public, and support the boots-on-the-ground conservation efforts needed to reverse these numbers before it is too late. We've gathered our own facts about giraffe's we think are worth sharing:

Giraffe Facts

  • Giraffes are typically 14 to 20 feet tall.

  • Giraffes weigh between 1,600 and 3,000 pounds

  • A full-grown giraffe eats more than 100 lb of leaves and twigs a day.

  • Giraffe tongues are long, reaching around 20–21 in

  • Giraffes sleep less than two hours a day. In general, they sleep with their feet tucked under them and their head resting on their hindquarters, but they can also sleep for short periods standing up

  • Giraffe horns are not horns. They are ossicones. No one seems to know what they are for. The horns may help males intimidate one another during mating season, or they may be a sexually selected characteristic (that is, males with more impressive ossicones may be more attractive to females). It's possible the ossicones may even help to dissipate heat in the blazing African sun.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD GIRAFFE DAY

World Giraffe Day is about finding ways to help these majestic animals stay off the extinction list. Our list is simple, yet effective:

  1. Support the Foundation: Visit the official Giraffe Conservation Federation (GCF) website to virtually adopt a giraffe or make a direct donation to support field research and habitat protection.

  2. Reach out to your local zoo and ask if there are any special educational presentations, zoo-helper programs, or fundraisers on June 21st.

  3. Wear your favorite giraffe-printed clothing, socks, or accessories today to spark conversations with friends and coworkers about wildlife protection.

  4. Read a book or watch a nature documentary about African wildlife with your children or grandchildren. Each time we learn about a new ecosystem, we are bringing awareness to the animals that live there.

  5. Share your giraffe photos from your zoo visit and fun facts about giraffe's on social media using the hashtag #WorldGiraffeDay.

WORLD GIRAFFE DAY HISTORY

The first World Giraffe Day was organized by the Giraffe Conservation Federation in 2014. Co-founders Stephanie and Julian Fennessy created the holiday to unite NGO support, zoos, schools, and governments under a single banner--to ensure the challenges giraffe's face receive global attention they urgently deserve.