It’s World Giraffe Day at the Sedgwick County Zoo! Every year on June 21st, we celebrate these unique animals and learn more about how to support conservation efforts for their species in the wild.
Here at the Sedgwick County Zoo, one of the first animals you encounter are the giraffes, located near the heart of the Zoo across from The Beastro. With their long necks and eye-catching spots, our giraffes are an exciting sight for visitors entering the Zoo.
A Homey Habitat
Sedgwick County Zoo strives to create the most spacious and realistic habitats for all animals in our care, and the giraffes are no exception. Complete with tall trees for foraging, a feeding station, and an indoor area for animal care and protection from severe weather, the giraffe yard is an exciting place to watch these incredible animals. Small ditches line the perimeter of the habitat where giraffes like to graze, bringing them eye to eye with guests, perfect for celebrating World Giraffe Day.
Meet Our Giraffes
SCZ is proud to be home to two Reticulated giraffes, who serve as ambassadors for their species in the wild. The older of the two, a female named Mkia Jibini (MJ for short), stands much smaller than her friend, a male named Kumi, who is often mistaken as MJ’s mother! The pair loves to spend time walking around their enclosure and welcome guests as they enter the Zoo.
Giraffes are very social animals, and MJ and Kumi love to greet guests at the Giraffe Feeding Station. The Giraffe Feeding Station is located on the west side of the giraffe enclosure, towards the entry of the North America section of the Zoo. Here, guests can pay for the opportunity to hand feed a giraffe, bringing them face-to-face with these gentle giants. To learn more, please visit the Giraffe Feeding page here.
Why do we celebrate World Giraffe Day?
Globally, World Giraffe Day is celebrated not only to show appreciation for this unique animal, but to bring awareness to what giraffes face in the wild. Although most giraffe species are not considered to be endangered, certain subspecies like the Reticulated giraffe are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
It’s important to raise support for giraffes, as their population in the wild is rapidly dwindling. Habitat loss, disease, and illegal poaching are the main causes for decreasing numbers of giraffes. Giraffes, who rely on trees and brush in the African savannah, are finding it harder and harder to survive as forests are cut or burned to make way for farmland and the growing charcoal industry.
World Giraffe Day is recognized around the globe as a way to educate the masses on the importance of giraffes and the challenges they face in the wild. Raising awareness for the survival of their species is a vital part of World Giraffe Day, as well as inspiring conservation efforts to save giraffes so they can continue to be around for many years to come.
Please visit our Reticulated giraffe page to learn more about the species.