Taronga Zoo Sydney is standing tall for World Giraffe Day, looking to raise the profile of this iconic species and their unique and marvelous adaptations, all while increasing awareness of the threats facing them in the wild.

“The iconic view of Giraffes set against Sydney Harbour is well known around the world, but what is less known is that giraffes are undergoing a silent extinction,” said Taronga Zoo Ungulate Keeper, Jacob Leto.

“The diet and appetite of a Giraffe plays a key role in the African ecosystem. By eating the higher reaches of trees, they promote growth of lower levels of vegetation, and whilst they travel great lengths and across a wide range of habitats in search for those leaves, they disperse seeds and pollens, regenerating habitat for other wildlife to use.”

Giraffe numbers have been declining in the wild over the past decade due to habitat encroachment, snares, civil unrest, and poaching, with the wild population now estimated at less than 117,000, a decline of 40% over 30 years.

World Giraffe Day was initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), an organisation dedicated to raising awareness and support to stop the silent extinction of Giraffe. Taronga Conservation Society proudly supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) through Taronga Field Conservation Grants to help fund on-the-ground wildlife veterinarian training in Namibia to further ongoing conservation management efforts.

Members of public can make a difference for Giraffe, Eastern Bongo, and other African wildlife by purchasing Beads for Wildlife products. Made by more than 800 women from communities across Northern Kenya, the traditional Kenyan beadworks provides an alternative income to support local communities and decrease human wildlife conflict. All profits go directly to the artists to support them, their families, communities, and local wildlife. Beads For Wildlife can be purchased from Taronga Zoo or from the online at www.zooshop.taronga.org.au/collections/beads-for-wildlife

Whilst they may have the best view in the zoo, the Giraffe tower at Taronga Zoo also fill the tall order as ambassadors for the conservation of this incredible species. Guests to Taronga Zoo can come eye-to-eye with the Giraffes and learn more about their plight in the wild and conservation status at the daily 10:40am Keeper Talk or by experiencing a Giraffe Encounter at 1:30pm.

Taronga is not-for-profit, so every visit, donation, overnight stay, gift, or shop purchase, helps save wildlife.