• Following the aspect of “longest day of the year,” the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, back in 2014, intertwined the welfare of the tallest animal with this day, hence the World Giraffe Day.

The 21st of June marks the day when the Earth is most titled towards the sun, a phenomenon termed summer solstice. The name solstice is extracted from the Latin words sol, which means sun, and sistere, meaning to stand still. During this period, the sun seems reluctant in its movement, thus the name.

Summer solstice occasions an extended amount of daylight or nighttime, depending on the planet’s hemispheres.

Following the aspect of “longest day of the year,” the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, back in 2014, intertwined the welfare of the tallest animal with this day, hence the World Giraffe Day.

According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), giraffes are now classified as vulnerable creatures. This day is, therefore, meant to address their adversities and ameliorate their sustainability.

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A Kordofan Giraffe, one of the species that has lost 90% of its population since the late 80's. (Photo/Courtesy: University of Bristol)

Being megaherbivores, giraffes enjoy a varied diet of leaves, twigs, shrubs, and seeds. Since they partake in large amounts, they prevent the overgrowth of vegetation, reducing plant density. However, they account for their gluttony by adequately dispersing seeds, consequently allowing plant species to regenerate, which increases vegetation cover and restores balance.

There is 'honor' in their death as they are prey for large carnivores like lions and hyenas, not forgetting the carcass’ scavengers; vultures. Giraffes are also used as a lookout by smaller herbivores like zebras, who often graze around them.

Despite their significant contribution towards the betterment of the ecosystem, giraffes still stare out between the cages of extinction with threats like habitat loss, poaching, disease, droughts, and electrocution from low-hanging electric lines, which have seen a dramatic decline in their numbers over the years.

Nubian Giraffes live only in protected lands in Kenya. (Photo/Courtesy: Pinterest)

Individuals and Wildlife conservation agencies have expressed their admiration and advocacy for these graceful giants on X. They include:

@KWSKenya

Today is 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐃𝐚𝐲! Let’s celebrate these magnificent creatures today and work together to protect their habitats for posterity!

@dawnxisoul

World Giraffe Day shines a spotlight on these majestic creatures, raising awareness about their conservation. It celebrates their unique beauty and highlights the importance of preserving their habitats.