World Giraffe Day 2018!

It’s World Giraffe Day! 

Marked all over the world with a variety of events, World Giraffe Day takes place annually with the aim of celebrating this wonderfully tall, well-loved animal.

Did you know there are four species of giraffe; the Southern giraffe, the Northern giraffe, the well-known Reticulated giraffe and the Masai giraffe. And that a group of giraffes is called a tower!

Giraffe are very popular in zoos. However, we often observe them being held in enclosures which have limited choices on where to eat and what to eat. In the wild giraffes can eat hundreds of pounds of leaves per week, getting much of their moisture from the plants too, and it is important for all animals, including giraffe, to be provided with multiple feeding options wherever possible, especially if there are a large number of individuals. This helps avoid competition for food and more importantly, allows the giraffe to decide where, when and what they might eat! A lack of choice can lead to frustration but by providing a varied diet in multiple areas of an enclosure, zoo staff can support a dynamic environment that is interesting for giraffe to be in!

Ask your zoo how you can support wild giraffe conservation, attend an event near you today and find out more here!