Animal Giraffe
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Animal Giraffe
Giraffe Plush and Giraffe Conservation
If you look hard enough, you will be able to find giraffe plush that are larger than life in size. With some giraffe plush standing 4.5 feet tall, and filled with sound, that's just about as good as it gets next to the real thing.
In the past century, the West African giraffe (sometimes called the white giraffe because of their spots which are light in color), has seen its population drastically decline thanks to the loss of habitat and increased contact with the human population. While this species of giraffe could once be found in ranges from Senegal to Chad, now, it's only living in a very small area of Niger just outside of one of the national parks of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).
Since 2000, so as to try and ensure this giraffe can recover its numbers, the AWF is supporting the efforts of the Association pour Sauvegarde des Girafes du Niger (ASGN). While supporting ASGN's giraffe census, which is compiled on an annual basis, the AWF is helping in making sure the West African giraffe species gets the protection it desperately needs.
The West African giraffe split off from a common ancestor some 350,000 years ago. It is part of a sub-species of giraffe, considered quite unique, that once could be found in many West African countries. In many decades gone by, humans have continually taken over areas in which the giraffe was living, by clearing land for crop cultivation, effectively destroying much needed vegetation. Coupled with illegal poaching, in addition to land desertification, by 1996, there remained just 50 individual West African giraffes, putting the species on the very brink of extinction. Currently, on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, this particular giraffe species is listed as Endangered.
Unfortunately, the West African giraffe population continues to live outside the boundaries of the AWF National Park, which means human-giraffe conflicts are a huge obstacle in trying to help the species recover. Giraffes are known to feed on crops in both farms and villages that surround the park, thus leading locals to see the animals as threats to their livelihood. With the help of the AWF working with these local communities, it's hoped the conflicts can be reduced.
In 2008, ASGN reported on its giraffe census 193 individuals, thanks to their ongoing dedication in helping the species to recover. In 2009, they expect to be able to count more than 200 individuals.
There is no denying the likeability factor of the giraffe; with their unusual looks, they are fascinating to study, if nothing else. Like most people, children are enthralled by these tall land mammals, making giraffe plush a go-to soft toy. While giraffe plush may not seem like a 'practical' stuffed animal next to, say, the teddy bear, don't count them out.
Copyright Shelley Vassall, 2010. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
About the Author
Shelley Vassall is a writer and collector of the giraffe plush toy and the plush giant toy.
Where can I buy a Disney Animal Kingdom giraffe pillow pet?
I just got back from Disney World last night. I went with my mom and she said that I couldn't buy this SUPER CUTE giraffe pillow pet from a shop at the Animal Kingdom. It wouldn't fit on the airplane with us. Now I am back at home and trying to find it online somehow. Help is greatly appreciated! 
try eBay or disneyworld.com
Nature activist Joanna Lumley gets a giraffe kiss as she works in African animal conservation - BBC wildlife