Community Celebrates Giraffes in Tanzania

Yesterday was a big day at Nkaiti Secondary School in the Burunge region of Tanzania.  Students and teachers celebrated the first-ever Giraffe Day to honor their national animal, the Masai giraffe—and have fun while doing it.  This region is part of a village Wildlife Management Area that provides important linkage habitat between Lake Manyara and Tarangire national parks that ensures the freedom to roam for giraffes and other wildlife.

Lots to celebrate on Giraffe Day

Giraffe Day included fun environmental education activities, sports competitions, a school clean-up, arts and crafts, a giraffe quiz, and dramatic performances celebrating Tanzania’s national animal.  The day was organized by PAMS Foundation with help from Wild Nature Institute, and was a resounding success as nearly the entire school attended.

Giraffe Day organizers Ferdnand Chugu and Ameir Dahal from PAMS Foundation (wearing their Wild Nature Institute t-shirts) with Burunge Village Game Scouts--all conservation heroes

School clean-up using their new Juma the Giraffe trash can

Giraffe Facts posters were created by Wild Nature Institute for classrooms

Students and PAMS staff performed giraffe-themed plays

Students making giraffe masks

This the first of many planned community conservation celebrations highlighting the importance of giraffes and other wildlife to the economy, culture, and ecology of Tanzania.

Thank you to Krissie from PAMS Foundation and Sophie and Willy from TremblayLowry.com for their amazing photographs.