World Giraffe Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

It is not remarkable that humans have documented the existence of giraffes for as long as we have had writing systems, given that giraffes can reach a height of approximately 6 metres.

World Giraffe Day is annually observed on June 21. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (G.C.F.) created the holiday as a means to honour the tallest animal in the world. During the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, World Giraffe Day is celebrated. In addition to celebrating giraffes, the G.C.F uses this day to raise funds for the conservation of the wild giraffe population around the globe and to bring attention to the challenges these animals face. On World Giraffe Day, institutions around the world organise events to commemorate the holiday.

The background of World Giraffe Day

It is not remarkable that humans have documented the existence of giraffes for as long as we have had writing systems, given that giraffes can reach a height of approximately 6 metres. Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings provide the earliest evidence of giraffes produced by humans. Belts and jewellery were woven from giraffe tail hair by the ancient Egyptians. Giraffes came to appear in the writings of world travellers, from Greece to China, over time. Giraffes were regarded as valuable royal pets, signifying their owner’s status. Additionally, giraffes were pursued, typically for fashion or medical purposes.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the hunting and trade of giraffes led to a significant decline in their global population. There are a number of distinct subspecies of giraffes in existence today. The genus consists of the northern giraffe, southern giraffe, Masai giraffe, and reticulated giraffe. The decline proceeded steadily over the subsequent decades. In 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature changed the giraffe’s Red List status from “least concern” to “vulnerable.”

Destruction of their natural habitats and illegal hunting for traditional medicine, flesh, skin, and tails are the primary causes of the giraffe population’s decline. Today, foundations such as the Giraffe Conservation Foundation work tirelessly to preserve the giraffe population and protect the world’s biodiversity from further decline.

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WORLD GIRAFFE DAY ACTIVITIES

Understand giraffes

The day is dedicated specifically to giraffes. Utilise this occasion to learn more about the animal.

Discuss it on social media

Every World Giraffe Day, the GCF conducts a social media campaign. Participate to help disseminate the message!

Donate to the cause.

Contribute to the cause of giraffe conservation if you are able. You may do so by donating directly to the GCF or by purchasing their World Giraffe Day merchandise.