World Giraffe Day

By actively celebrating World Giraffe Day, you are contributing to the conservation of wild giraffe populations. Currently, there are approximately 117,000 giraffes left in the world—an alarmingly small number. Without support, their numbers will continue to decline. Governments, environmental organizations, research centers, zoos, companies, and schools commemorate World Giraffe Day by hosting events, donating funds, and raising awareness on how to protect giraffes.

History

The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) launched the annual Save the Giraffe Celebration initiative to draw attention to the unique challenges facing Africa’s giraffe populations. Each year, the observance highlights different conservation efforts and programs.

Past themes have included fundraising campaigns like Jeans4Giraffe, which encouraged participants to wear denim in support of giraffe conservation, as well as major projects such as Operation Twiga, aimed at protecting the Rothschild giraffe from extinction. Other years have focused on the Masai giraffe, the innovative Twiga Tracker satellite tracking program, and raising awareness through digital platforms during the pandemic. Recent celebrations have spotlighted critically endangered giraffe subspecies and the urgent need to protect these gentle giants for future generations.

Interesting Facts

Efforts to increase the giraffe population in Mozambique include relocating 350 individuals to four key areas: the Karingani and Maputo reserves, and the Banhine and Zinave national parks.

How to Take Part

Here are some ways to celebrate and support giraffes:

1. Adopt a giraffe through the GCF website. The adoption fee is $10 per month or $50 per year, providing you access to updates about your adopted giraffe’s life in the wild.
2. Purchase giraffe-themed merchandise from the GCF online store to support conservation efforts.
3. Raise awareness about giraffe conservation on social media by using the hashtag #WorldGiraffeDay.

When is World Giraffe Day in 2025?

World Giraffe Day is observed annually on June 21.

Observations