The Giraffe Conservation Foundation has recently published a Giraffe Conservation Guide with up-to-date information on the evolution, taxonomy, distribution, habitat and conservation status of these strange and fascinating animals.

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Chris Palmer, Director of the Centre for Environmental Filmmaking at American University, discusses with Alexandra Cousteau the ethical challenges of producing wildlife films. He argues that production companies deceive audiences by making them believe the images they see on TV or film are natural when in reality many of them have been staged. In many cases animals are treated cruelly and even killed. Palmer advocates a different way of producing nature films; on in which animals are treated kindly and with respect. Remember we humans are just a part of nature not its masters.

Mother Jones conducts an investigation on the misstreatment of animals during TV productions. Contrary to what people believe most TV series involving animals are produced by staging action and forcing such animals to perform acts that are far from natural. They are harassed and treated in an inhumane way. Animal Planet and other TV production companies showing animals should be guided by strict codes of conduct that ensure animals are treated in respectful way.

Giraffe population has declined by 40% over the last 15 years. Less than 80.000 exist in the wild today.  In Africa, for every giraffe there are 5 elephants. Habitat loss, disease and poaching are decimating these gentle giants at a worrying pace. Urgent action is necessary to protect these extraordinary  animals. You can act now. Join the giraffe conservation efforts by participating in the first World Giraffe Day on 21 June 2014. Continue reading →