National Giraffe Day

A group of children marveling at a tall giraffe at a zoo, wearing colorful summer clothes, surrounded by lush greenery.. — National giraffe day illustration

Welcome to National Giraffe Day! Get ready to stretch your imagination and learn all about these majestic creatures. Whether you're a fan of their long necks, unique patterns, or just the fact that they can make even the tallest basketball player feel short, giraffes are truly fascinating animals. So let's dive into the internet history of this national day and celebrate all things giraffe!

When is Giraffe Day?

It's national giraffe day on the 21st June.

The Internet History of National Giraffe Day

Ever wonder how National Giraffe Day came to be? Well, let me tell you. Back on June 21, 2016, the internet started buzzing with giraffe-related excitement. It seems that this was the day when giraffe enthusiasts from all corners of the web decided to unite and show their love for these gentle giants.

From viral videos of giraffes gracefully galloping across the savannah to heartwarming stories of conservation efforts, the internet was flooded with giraffe-related content. People couldn't get enough of these amazing creatures, and their enthusiasm led to the birth of National Giraffe Day.

Since then, every year on June 21, people all over the world come together to celebrate National Giraffe Day. It's a day to honor the beauty, grace, and sheer awesomeness of giraffes. Whether you're knitting giraffe-themed scarves, organizing a giraffe parade, or simply sharing your favorite giraffe facts on social media, there are endless ways to get involved.

History behind the term 'Giraffe'

300 BCE

Ancient Greek Encounter

The term 'giraffe' traces its origins back to ancient Greece. In 300 BCE, Greek historian Ctesias encountered this majestic creature during his travels to Persia. He wrote about it in his work 'Indica', referring to it as 'camelopardalis', which means 'camel-leopard', describing its long neck and leopard-like spots.

AD 46

Roman Interpretation

During the Roman Empire, the intermediary knowledge exchange was made through the introduction of Latin scientific texts. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, in his famous encyclopedia 'Naturalis Historia', translated 'camelopardalis' to 'giraffa,' giving rise to the term we know today.

12th Century

Arabic Influence

The term 'giraffa' traveled beyond the Roman Empire and found its way into the Arabic language as 'zarafa.' The Arabic-speaking world made significant contributions to the understanding of giraffes during the golden age of Islamic civilization, leading to further expansion and recognition of the term.

1664

English Adoption

In 1664, English scientist and physician Edward Tyson introduced the term 'giraffe' to the English language in his book 'Orang-Outang, sive Homo Sylvestris.' Tyson's work provided a detailed anatomical analysis of a giraffe, popularizing the term 'giraffe' in the English-speaking world.

21st Century

Modern Day Appreciation

In the present day, the term 'giraffe' remains widely used and recognized worldwide. Giraffes have become iconic animals, symbolizing grace and beauty. They are popular in zoos and wildlife conservation efforts, and the term 'giraffe' is firmly ingrained in our collective cultural understanding.

Did you know?

Did you know that giraffes have a pretty unique talent? Not only are they the tallest land animals, but they also have the highest blood pressure among mammals. Talk about high society!