World Giraffe Day 2018
June 21st
“Even the tallest should never have to stand alone, stand together with us to help protect and conserve the world’s tallest mammal, the Giraffe.”
Global Conservation Force
Forced to be Shorted
Giraffes were forced to stand up for themselves even more this year when they were placed on “Vulnerable Species List” which is an upgrade from “Threatened “ in 2017. Thankfully, Global Conservation Force has been standing by their side and supporting the conservation of giraffes since 2013 . Over the past 30 years, giraffes have been tragically declining in numbers due to encroachment from towns and cities and poaching. From 157,000 individuals in 1985, to 97,500 at last count in March 2018, populations have decreased nearly 40%. Currently GCF is supporting 212 rangers in units located in South Africa, Kenya Zambia, Eastern Cape, Limpopo that protect and conserve these tall blondes. The Twiga Walinzi (Giraffe Guards) one of the newest units to Kenya which is standing tall besides these beautifully animals on the ground to learn more about their population and better understand their movements across the landscape. In addition, they can be liaisons to land managers and communities to help them make more effective and efficient decision to maintain a co-existence between giraffe, humans and their livestock.
Giraffe and Ranger Danger
It is not just one species of giraffe that needs our help, there are nine species of giraffe in Africa all being threatened daily! Species such as the Thornicroft’s Giraffe have less then 550 individuals left in the population. Due to the fast declining numbers, Rangers have their hands full and need our help! They are standing alone in very dangerous environments in Africa to protect and help save the giraffes from being poached and killed. They cannot do it alone; and they cannot do it without the proper gear and training. When you support with GCF, ,you allow us to give funds to the rangers for proper equipment, gear , and training. You can individually stand up tall and adopt a ranger from your home or work place and sponsor them to have the best chance to help these giraffes! Without the support from individuals like you, the giraffes future is shorter and shorter.
Help us protect giraffes in the wild by coming out to our World Giraffe Day Fundraiser June 21, at the Pacific Plate Taproom, from 5pm -8pm
Want a great way to spend the longest day of the year? How about painting with a pint of your favorite beer, celebrating the world’s longest mammal! Stand tall with Global Conservation Force on June 21, 2018 at our annual painting event at the Pacific Plate Brewery Taproom in Glendale. Pacific Plate bartenders and artist Ms. Peacock will guide you through a night filled with fun and conservation! All materials and most importantly your first pint is included with your ticket purchase. Space is limited to 35 seats, so you’ll want to reserve your spot ASAP. 50% of ticket sales will be donated to Global Conservation Force to stand up for these tall beautiful blondes.
Can’t make it to the event? You can stand by us in supporting the cause by donating through our website at https://globalconservationforce.org/contact!
Blog written by – Bree Barney, GCF Conservation Officer
References: Global Giraffe Conservation, June 2018