Take Action.
Giraffologist Anne Innis Dagg needs YOUR help to protect the giraffes Anne loves so much! Over the last 30 years, the number of giraffes in Africa has dropped from 150,000 in 1985 to less than 100,000 in 2015. Giraffes were finally listed as “vulnerable to extinction” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species in 2016. Anne believes that both working with local people and the education of young citizens are crucial to making a difference in animal and habitat conservation.
There are many ways that YOU can take action to help:
Learn more about giraffes - their habitat, behaviours, biology and ecology and the threats to their continued existence – and tell your family and friends about what you have learned.
Never buy anything made of giraffe parts. Giraffe skins are used for boots, belts, purses, book covers etc. Always check the label on the products you buy. And spread the word! Talk to your family and friends or prepare a presentation for school so you can educate your classmates.
Help to change the laws to prevent giraffe parts from being imported into the country where you live.
The USA is one of the biggest importers of giraffe parts in the world. Over 40,000 giraffe parts have been imported within the last ten years. The states of New York and Illinois have laws that prevent the importation of giraffe parts and other endangered species – yeah! Washington, DC and New Jersey prevent importation of ivory from elephants but not giraffe parts. There are a total of 12 states that have some reference to wildlife trafficking. We need the legislation amended to include giraffe parts. Want more information about the Trade in Giraffe Parts? Check out the presentation from Elly Pepper, Deputy Director, International Wildlife Conservation Initiative, Natural Resources Defense Council.
European and Asian countries import giraffe parts, too (sometimes for decoration and status symbols). We need your help to stop this!
Please email Mary Dagg through the Contact Us form. She will help you work with the US lawmakers in your state or find out what you can do in the country that you live in.
If you can, visit an African country to see giraffes in the wild. This will help the local economy by providing jobs for the tourism industry and it would be an amazing experience, too!
Support and/or fundraise for organizations that are focused on giraffe conservation. JGC Members recently participated in the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation’s Sponsor a Spot (Spotty the Giraffe) campaign.
Join the Junior Giraffe Club and become part of a team of kids dedicated to saving giraffes!