Giraffe Hall of Fame
Step into the spotlight with us as we honor some of the legendary giraffes who have graced this planet. From captivating historical figures to modern-day influencers, these giraffes have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
Ooh La La: Zarafa
Meet Zarafa, France’s beloved giraffe sensation from the 1820s. Gifted to King Charles X by the Ottoman ruler of Egypt, Zarafa captured the hearts of Parisians with her majestic presence and exotic charm. From her grand entrance on a specially constructed barge to her influence on French fashion and art, Zarafa’s legacy shines bright at the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle.
Loving Lawrence
Lawrence, an adorable five-day-old giraffe, became known as the giant puppy of Loisaba Community Conservation Lodge in Kenya. The little calf stole hearts with his playful and affectionate nature but was prematurely killed by rhino poachers in 2012. Despite facing challenges, including losing his mother, being attacked by lions and having brushes with poachers, Lawrence’s spirit remained resilient, leaving an everlasting impact on all who crossed his path.
Wildfire Survivor: Stanley
Stanley, the giraffe, was one of the survivors of the massive wildfire that broke out at the Malibu Wine Safari exotic animal park in 2018, becoming famous thanks to a social media post that went viral.
In a case where celebrities helped celebrities, Khloé Kardashian took to social media to reassure Stanley’s followers that he and the other animals were safe under the care of 32 park staffers who had stayed behind despite evacuation orders. Stanley has remained in the spotlight and is frequently referred to on social media. #stanleythegiraffe has been tagged in 15,600 posts on Instagram.
One of a Kind: Gemina
Gemina, the gentle giant of Santa Barbara Zoo, defied expectations with her unique neck deformity and gentle demeanor. Despite facing challenges, Gemina lived to be 21 and became a beacon of inspiration – captivating audiences on reality TV shows and touching the lives of children with disabilities.
