World Giraffe Day: Behind the Long Neck and the Quest for Conservation
Let’s meet the tallest animal in the world, giraffe! A very special day for this unique animal is celebrated annually on 21 June, named world giraffe day. Their long necks, thin legs, lovely body patterns, and furry skin makes them some weird at first glance, yet they are very attractive and beautiful.
World Giraffe Day History
Giraffes have been a part of our lives from a long ago, dating back to ancient Egyptian tomb paintings. Ancient Egyptians had a strong belief about the importance of giraffe tail hair that’s why they used it for weaving belts and jewelry. However, domestication of giraffes started among people after a long time.
World giraffe day was basically an initiative taken by the GCF (Giraffe Conservation Foundation). The main aim behind the declaration of this day was to bring mindfulness among the people about the giraffes and their life. This was due to the rapidly declining population of giraffes. According to GCF findings, only 100,000 giraffes are left in the wild, which is really a high-risk situation.
Facts about Giraffe
Common Name
Scientific Name
Number of Species
Population Size
Lifespan
Weight
Length
Top Speed
Predator
Prey
Most Distinctive Feature
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
1
117,000
20 to 25 years
1600 – 3000 pounds
16 – 18 feet
56 km/h
Lions, Hyenas, African wild dogs and Crocodiles
Acacia leaves, fruits
Long neck and distinctive spotted coat
Importance
The determination of the giraffe day is to celebrate the presence of these tallest mammals in the world. Second purpose of this day is to know the challenges they are facing currently in their natural habitats. This is the day which reminds us about the declining population of giraffes as they are being affected by various factors like habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and illegal hunting. World giraffe day spreads this message across the world to promote the welfare and well-being of giraffes.
Timeline
Statistics that Matter
How to Celebrate Giraffe Day?
Discover Giraffes
Doesn’t matter if you are familiar with giraffes or not before, this is the day to explore their habitat, diet and life. Find out from internet about them or visit a nearby library to discover about giraffes.
Preserve Giraffes
Take step to save the giraffe population in the world. You can do this by spreading the awareness among the people or teaching your children about the declining population of giraffes.
Donate to G.C.F
You can make donations to some trusted organizations such as G.C.F. Even a little amount of your money can help some needy one by proper care and safety.
Try Your Hand
Draw some paintings of giraffe, even if you are a newbie in painting, you can take help from internet. Or try to make some giraffe-inspired crafts.
Domestication and Care
Domestication of giraffes is not recommended at all as they have some special requirements such as their diet and wild habitat. Their extra-long body needs suitable place for living as well as a large amount of food. Currently, giraffes are only found in the wild or the zoos where nature-like environment is provided to them.
World Giraffe Day Dates
Year | Date | Day |
2024 | June 21 | Friday |
2025 | June 21 | Saturday |
2026 | June 21 | Sunday |
2027 | June 21 | Monday |
2028 | June 21 | Wednesday |
FAQs