This Saturday (6/21) is the first ever World Giraffe Day. It was established by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (http://www.giraffeconservation.org/) to raise awareness and promote the conservation of all nine subspecies of giraffe.
“At an average height of around 5 m (16-18 ft.), the giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world. Characterized by its long legs, long neck, and distinctive spotted pattern, many people first believed the giraffe was a cross between a leopard and a camel, which is reflected in its scientific name, Giraffa camelopardalis. Giraffes live primarily in savanna areas in the sub-Saharan region of Africa.” http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/giraffe/#sthash.EpEYuDgE.dpuf
“The gentle, iconic Giraffe indicates the health of African savanna ecosystems, home to the most spectacular displays of wildlife in the world. But savanna ecosystems are in serious trouble. Habitat loss, illegal hunting, and disease are decimating savanna wildlife. Giraffe numbers have declined drastically to only 80,000. Africa-wide, elephants outnumber giraffe 5 to 1.” http://www.wildnatureinstitute.org/giraffe.html?gclid=CjkKEQjwlIqdBRDy6JSK4Lmn1akBEiQAVa9dPaR-l_dm3mXQxBjmeQBfavmn30aU8OhGnDAc-wwTWeXw_wcB
“Giraffes are hunted for their meat, coat and tails. The tail is prized for good luck bracelets, fly whisks and string for sewing beads. The coat is used for shield coverings.” For good luck bracelets and string for beads REALLY? http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/giraffe.html
In the Orlando area there will be a celebration at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford (north of Orlando) who recently acquired two of the lovely creatures. (www.centralfloridazoo.org)
Others I found:
Brooklyn Zoo http://www.bcrnews.com/2014/06/12/brookfield-zoo-celebrates-world-giraffe-day/ak3ddt5/
African Wild Life Park, Port Clinton, Ohio http://www.limaohio.com/news/local_features/1442505/African-Safari-Wildlife-Park-show-support-for-World-Giraffe-Day
Blank Park Zoo, De Moines, Iowa http://www.blankparkzoo.com/index.cfm?nodeID=74392&audienceID=1
Check out your local zoos to see what they’re having as it appears most are celebrating. Celebrate these beautiful giants with the kids and/or grandkids.
“What can you do to help giraffes and other wild animals? Don’t buy products made from their body parts, and encourage others not to buy them either.” http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/abouttheanimals/mammals/hoofedmammals/reticulatedgiraffe/
There’s no shortage of giraffes on Google:
Kruger National Park Africa Souvenir Collector Spoon Giraffe $7
Giraffe figurines range from $10 (small brass) to $200 for a Danish teak one
1985 Precious Moments Birthday Train Giraffe Keep Looking Up $21
Giraffe Kruger National Park Wedgwood Collectors Plate $40
Jan McPherson Mom & Baby Giraffe Painting Signed Wooden Framed $59
You can’t buy giraffes in most states but according to my research there are locations–especially in Texas where they are sometimes available. This is one of those site: http://www.yoranch.com/YORanch.swf
Did you see that the world’s largest elephant was killed by poachers? Will our grandchildren have any animals left except in zoos? (read more at http://www.people.com/article/worlds-largest-elephant-satao-killed)
kuokoa wanyama