One of the most recognized, yet least researched large animal in Africa, giraffes have seen a steady decrease in population size over the past two decades. To raise awareness about this majestic animal and its current plight, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation [GCF] has initiated the first-ever World Giraffe Day on June 21 – the longest day of the year.
With less then 80,000 giraffes remaining in the wild, GCF’s World Giraffe Day is a concerted international effort, with zoos, schools, governments and conservation organizations from around the world dedicating the summer solstice to events and activities focusing on giraffes. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens will be celebrating earth’s tallest dweller with a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities:
From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., guests can “lend a hand” in saving giraffes by adding to a mural of along the giraffe habitat, using handprints to create giraffe spots. Handprints cost $2 donation, which will go directly to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and will be tripled by the Naples Zoo Conservation Fund.
Running concurrently from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., zoo volunteers will be leading a giraffe-focused scavenger hunt. Setup in the southern gardens, education stations will enlighten guests about how giraffes interact with other animals, biological facts, and fun trivia as they fill out their scavenger hunt sheets. One lucky winner will receive a family or grandparent zoo membership.
And when visiting the giraffe habitat, be sure to snap a few photos of feeding the giraffes, and post them to the zoo’s Facebook Breakfast with Giraffes photo contest. The three photos with the most likes will win a breakfast in the giraffe area on June 28.
- All donations made at the Giraffe Patch Painting activity and the raffle will be tripled by the Naples Zoo Conservation Fund and will go directly to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
- For more information, visit napleszoo.com.
Facebook Comments