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Edinburgh Reporter

Edinburgh's tallest residents enjoy World Giraffe Day

Edinburgh Zoo's tallest residents were enjoying the high life as the attraction celebrated World Giraffe Day at the weekend. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction has since 2021 been home to five male Nubian giraffes named Ronnie, Arrow, Fennessy, Gerald and Gilbert. They live in a £2.8 million state of the art bachelor pad including high level walkways to allow visitors to meet them face-to-face, with an outdoor enclosure the size of a football pitch with some of the best views in the city. The world's tallest animals at up to 18 feet tall, they arrived in Scotland four years ago thanks to a partnership involving the RZSS, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and sponsors Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The lofty creatures help to educate the public about giraffes' plight in the wild, while the partnership also helps save declining wild populations by funding vital conservation work in Africa. Keepers in Edinburgh marked World Giraffe Day on Saturday with special enrichment for the animals and a range of giraffe-related activities including crafts and games for children. The Zoo said: 'We're proud of our partnership with Giraffe Conservation Foundation and Glenmorangie which helps protect giraffes in Uganda through science and genetic expertise. 'Every ticket to the zoo and giraffe adoption purchased helps protect the species in the wild. Together we can stand tall for giraffes and make a difference.' World Giraffe Day is a GCF initiative to raise awareness and support for giraffe conservation in the wild. It is celebrated each year on June 21, dubbed 'the longest day for the tallest animal'. The Foundation's newly published State of Giraffe 2025 report reveals conservation initiatives are having a positive effect. Despite decades of decline and ongoing threats, three of the four distinct giraffe species in Africa are showing positive population trends as a 'direct result of effective conservation actions, dedicated research, and growing global awareness'. Stephanie Fennessy, GCF's Executive Director, said: 'Not only are our conservation efforts paying off, but with the support of our partners, we are getting better at monitoring and protecting these iconic creatures.' 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related