Reticulated giraffe mother greeting calf, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
© Sean Crane/Minden Pictures
World Giraffe Day - Spot-on connection
Today is about honoring the tallest creatures on Earth and highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. Giraffes have fascinated travelers from around the world for a long time. These animals were once viewed as status symbols and were treasured as pets among royalty.
Featured here are reticulated giraffes, found mostly in Kenya, but also in parts of Somalia and Ethiopia. Reticulated means to resemble a network or net, and these majestic creatures are named after their coats, which feature large spots that extend onto the lower legs, tail, and face. Only around 16,000 reticulated giraffes remain in the wild, less than half of those recorded in the 1980s. Nevertheless, in recent years there has been a promising trend in northern Kenya, where populations are rebounding thanks to places like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. So, let's pledge to protect these creatures and their habitats.