A Tall Problem

Its long bluish tongue reached out and extracted the graham cracker from my hand. I stood on a sturdy wooden deck in order to reach its mouth. For such a big and tall creature, the giraffe gently ate my offering of food. Its nose nuzzled into my hand to search for more. As a young 8 year old, I was mesmerized.

As you can see, I distinctly remember my first interaction with these tall creatures. My family had anxiously awaited our arrival to the giraffe exhibit in a Florida zoo. But as a short, somewhat skittish girl, the giraffes were pretty intimidating. It took me some time to muster the courage to even approach. But through my small encounter, I developed a new appreciation for them. I even bought a cap at the gift store with giraffes on it.

Which is why when I came across an article about giraffes, I immediately clicked on it. The article from BBC stated that the West African giraffe population in Niger has declined tremendously due to “illegal hunting, climate change and habitat loss.” Giraffes are often poached for their meat, something unimaginable to me, as well as bones, pelt etc. Giraffes aren’t the only species in Africa to be devastated by these procedures, but nonetheless is still an issue that needs to be addressed. To combat the population decline, organizations came together and “re-introduced eight giraffes into the reserve” in Niger. So far, it seems to be successful. The population of West African giraffe has now increased to 600! It’s a small feat, but the giraffes are on track to repopulate even further.

While I’m glad that actions are being taken to save the giraffes, I wish it never came to this point. As a teen living in the United States, there’s little I can physically do in Africa to help the issue. But I did find the website to the West African Giraffe Reserve, in which people help fund the reserve to ensure it continues to run. I donated $10 to the cause shortly after. Every little dollar counts. I want other people to experience the awe that I had when I saw giraffes for the first time. Although not everyone will have the privilege to see one in person, keeping them alive gives future generations a chance to.

I understand if not everyone is willing to donate to saving giraffes. But I encourage all to find a cause and to donate. Whether it be for another animal or for people who are less fortunate, get out there a donate! After all, it is the season of giving.

 

(Image Credits)