Every year, the world looks to June 21 as the first day of the summer solstice. At the Zoo, we celebrate that day for a very different reason. June 21 is World Giraffe Day! This day pays tribute to the longest day of the year with the tallest mammal on earth. This is a very special day because we are very fortunate to have a herd of ten reticulated giraffe!

The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is striving to bring awareness to the dwindling population of giraffe in Africa. It states that only around 117,000 giraffes are left in the wild! This foundation is  working hard to make huge efforts in giraffe conservation. One of their biggest projects is to relocate 350 giraffes back to Mozambique within the next five years. This plan will help double the population in the area and still allow ample room for the giraffe to thrive and reestablish themselves in their natural habitat. The GCF have many other conservation efforts underway as well, which you can read more about on their website, along with other ways to help the foundation.

If you wish to feel big and tall yourself and would like to help giraffes around the world, another great way to support the cause locally is to come to the Zoo and see our herd! A portion of all ticket and membership sales support field conservation initiatives. 

Currently, we have ten giraffe: two males and eight females. Three of the giraffes are toddlers at just under a year old. Who doesn’t want to see an adorable nine-foot-tall toddler? The herd can be seen from the Giraffe Overlook and if you are lucky, you might get to meet a couple. These gentle giants aren’t afraid to invade your personal space for a little food. With a Total Experience ticket, you can have the opportunity to feed one yourself. The giraffe come right up and take browse from your hands. You might even catch a glimpse or more of their 18-inch-long tongue!

Come celebrate World Giraffe Day with us on June 21! I know the giraffes are looking forward to it!