Are you having a Giraffe? No, says Woburn Safari Park.

Woburn Safari Park is set to take part in the first ever World Giraffe Day.

The Giraffes on show at Woburn Safari Park

21st June is set to be one of the park’s busiest days ever, as Woburn Safari Park is all set to participate in the first ever World Giraffe Day.

A statement on their website reads, “It’s the longest day of the year – the perfect date to celebrate the longest (tallest) species living at the safari park!”

The whole day is being organised by a passionate team of Giraffe keepers who are dedicating their own time into making it successful.

They are hoping to raise more money for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) this year than they managed for the Save The Rhino campaign last year, in which they raised over £8,000.

All the money raised on the day and in the weeks running up to the event, will be donated to the GCF.

The GCF plays a pivotal role in securing a future for all Giraffe populations, and conducts vast amounts of research into how to protect the animal further.

Chris Smart
Head of Reserves
Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park is hugely successful in breeding the Rothschild Giraffe, with 13 out of their 16 giraffes being born at the park – and 3 of them are currently pregnant.

With there being less than 650 left in the wild; Woburn is doing all it can to protect and help the species which is classified as ‘endangered’.

Chris Smart, Head of Reserves at the park said, “It’s an organisation and a cause that is very close to our hearts”.

31 year old Mr Smart added, “The GCF need support, they are a relatively small organisation that rely heavily on public funding and public support, so that’s why we’re getting behind them”.

It’s a common misconception that Giraffes aren’t threatened in the wild, but populations are actually estimated at only around 80,000, with a spokesperson from Woburn saying it is ‘critical’ for them to act now.

Mr Smart, who has worked at Woburn for 11 years and actually lives on site, said “We know that giraffe populations in the wild are decreasing and they are an animal that does need support and help, and that’s why the Woburn Reserves team have decided this year that we would support the GCF”.

He added “People tend to support certain animals, people always support elephants, people like bears, they like tigers,but giraffes are sometimes overlooked”.

Local businesses and people have been busy donating prizes for one of the raffles the park will be holding, one of many events that will be held over the weekend.

There will be lots of things to do on World Giraffe Day, including a talk from the Giraffe keepers, face-painting and a meet and greet with the Giraffes.

A bright yellow wristband, available for £2 will be sold in the weeks leading up to the event.

By Stephen Matthews