When:
๐๏ธ June 21
Where:
๐ Everywhere
Since:
2014
๐ฆ
Created by Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF)
World Giraffe Day: Celebrating the Majestic Giants of the Savanna
Ladies and gentlemen, animal enthusiasts and lovers of all things tall and elegant, welcome to World Giraffe Day!
On June 21, as the summer solstice casts its warm glow, we gather to honor and appreciate these magnificent creatures that grace the African savannas in all their towering glory.
So, grab your safari hat and let’s dive into the captivating world of giraffes!
Decoding Giraffes:
When it comes to defining these unique and awe-inspiring creatures, height is the name of the game.
Standing tall and proud, these gentle giants can reach staggering heights of up to 18 feet, making them the tallest land animals on our planet, their elongated necks allowing them to reach foliage that other animals can only dream of.
But there’s more to them than just their lofty stature. Standing tall and proud, these gentle giants are renowned for their long necks, striking coat patterns, charmingly knobbly ossicones (a big fancy word for their horns) and eyelashes that can flutter up a storm.
The term “giraffe” comes from French โgirafeโ, which in turn comes from Arabic โzarฤfa” which probably in term came from the Persian โzurnฤpฤ”, which means โflute legsโ. (The zurnฤ is a type of flute)
Making up names for animals sounds like a wonderful profession!
The Truth Behind the Neck
Giraffes don’t have vocal cords, their communication primarily revolves around body language, low-frequency sounds, and gentle hisses.
They do have a voice box though and some types of vocal folds. These are all fancy words saying that giraffes do not vocalize like us or most animals. The vocal language of giraffes has only been studied recently because humans assumed because they didnโt hear giraffes talking, they therefore do not talk.
All this time though, giraffes were talking in a way that our ears canโt hear. Imagine the things they might have been saying without us noticingโฆ
Despite having the longest necks on the planet, giraffes canโt reach the ground to eat or drink. This is why giraffes need to spread their legs wide to drink water. Standing with their legs wide is not a very comfortable position, nor can they run away easily when drinking like this.
This is why youโll probably wonโt see giraffes drinking when there are predators anywhere in sight.
Giraffes: The Coolest Creatures on the Savanna
Ah, let’s revel in the sheer coolness of giraffes, shall we?
- Giraffes have power-pumps for hearts, pumping blood through their long necks takes an astounding blood pressure!
- Their tongues can stretch up to 45 to 50 centmeter (18 to 20 inches). This helps them expertly grasp leaves from tall trees.
- The spot patterns on giraffes are as unique as fingerprints, making each giraffe a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
- Giraffes have a panoramic view, allowing them to spot predators from afar.
- An average giraffe can kill a lion with their kicks. Some lions have even been decapitated by the kick of a giraffe. Giraffes never skip leg day!
The Creation of World Giraffe Day:
World Giraffe Day was created by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) in 2014.
This annual event aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by giraffes in the wild and support their conservation, while also promoting conservation efforts to ensure their survival for future generations.
By celebrating this day, we can contribute to the preservation of these marvelous creatures for generations to come.
Join the Giraffe Brigade: How You Can Make a Difference
Wondering how you can contribute to the cause?ย
You can support organizations like the GCF by making a donation, spreading awareness about giraffe conservation, volunteering your time at wildlife sanctuaries, or even participating in local initiatives that promote habitat preservation.
Every action, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in safeguarding the future of these incredible animals.
A Tall Toast to World Giraffe Day
In conclusion, we encourage you to celebrate World Giraffe Day with wild abandon! Whether it’s wearing a giraffe-themed outfit, organizing a giraffe trivia night, or even attempting a slightly ridiculous giraffe impersonation, let your imagination soar.
And remember, if anyone asks why you’re dancing in the park with a giant giraffe plushy, just say Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so!
From their remarkable physical traits to their captivating history, giraffes truly deserve our admiration and protection. So, go ahead and celebrate with joy in your heart and a touch of wildness in your spirit.
Wishing you a truly happy World Giraffe Day!
Evolution is so creative. That’s how we got giraffes.
#StandTallForGiraffe #StickYourNeckOutForGiraffe #WorldGiraffeDay #GiraffeDay
