giraffes in a field
June 21, 2022

World Giraffe Day

Giraffes are the graceful giants of the African savannas and woodlands, and they have a giant place in our hearts. As the tallest land animal on the planet, giraffes are easily recognizable for their long necks and striking coat patterns. They are the “watchtowers” of the savanna—thanks to their staggering height and excellent eyesight, they can spot predators far away, and other savanna species often look to giraffes to identify when danger is near.

In recent decades, habitat loss and fragmentation, drought caused by climate change, and challenges with human-wildlife coexistence have all contributed to a sharp decline in giraffe populations, and some subspecies are now critically endangered. It’s your support that gives these iconic animals hope, fueling critical conservation efforts for giraffes through our Savanna conservation hub.

Join us at the San Diego Zoo on Tuesday, June 21, as we celebrate World Giraffe Day and all you make possible for our tall towers! With interactive experiences, insights from wildlife care specialists, and fun surprises for the whole family, this will certainly be a day to remember.

SEE YOU AT THE ZOO

savannah hub icon

Savanna Conservation Hub

Home to some of the most iconic—and endangered—wildlife, such as giraffes, rhinos, and elephants, the African savannas are among the world’s most fascinating and delicately balanced ecosystems. Discover more about one of our key conservation hubs and the cutting-edge conservation work you make possible for savanna wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and how those efforts are saving and protecting these species 10,000 miles away, across the grasslands of Africa. 

giraffes in a field

All About Giraffes

Discover fast and fun facts about your favorite graceful giants.

giraffe running

Giraffes in Action

Giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest, cape buffalo, antelope, and more! Tune into Giraffe Cam to enjoy a live view of the African Plains at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 

ruko project

Image Credit: Northern Rangelands Trust

Ruko to the Rescue

Through your support, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partnered with Ruko Community Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya to rescue a herd of endangered giraffes. The peninsula the giraffes live on flooded due to rising lake levels, shrinking their habitat. The rescue teams saved four giraffes by devising a one-of-a-kind barge to float the stranded wildlife to the mainland.

baby giraffe

A New Lease on Life

When 4-month old giraffe calf Msituni (pronounced see-tune-nee) was born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on February 1, she had some trouble with her legs, making it difficult for her to stand or walk. With your support, and the help of local partners, we were able to fit Msituni with a pair of specialized leg braces, giving her the support she needed—and a new lease on life!

baby giraffe

SAVING GIRAFFES

Help save giraffes by joining our citizen science program, Wildwatch Kenya. We need your help to count, identify, and track giraffes and other wildlife living across our field conservation sites in northern Kenya. Your time and support from the comfort of home will play an invaluable part in conservation success for giraffes and other wildlife across our Savanna conservation hub.

two giraffes

Adopt a Girrafe

Your symbolic adoption of a giraffe supports critical conservation efforts worldwide and offer hope for giraffes and other extraordinary wildlife here in San Diego and around the world.

baby giraffe

Wildlife Explorers of All Ages

Get wild with a giraffe word safari, stories, games, and more at our San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers website.

giraffe mom and baby

Be an Ally for Wildlife

As an ally, you’re investing in the future of wildlife and the planet we all share. Your monthly gift helps save, protect, and care for wildlife at the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and around the world. Together, we’re working to create a world where all life thrives.