Giraffe body parts are being sold in the U.S., and it’s legal

Giraffe numbers have plummeted — in part, due to U.S. demand for their hides and other body parts. Environmental Action is working to help save these beloved creatures from extinction, but we need your help.

 

 

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Giraffes and the Environment 

Giraffes in Peril

The tallest animal on the planet is in peril.

Not only has the wild giraffe population declined 65 percent in the last three decades, but their hooves, horns, skin and other parts are being imported into the United States and sold. And it’s legal.¹

The number of giraffes in the wild has plummeted — from at least 150,000 in 1985 to fewer than 98,000 in 2015.² That’s a massive and unsustainable decline.

And it’s made worse by the grisly trade in thousands upon thousands of giraffe parts.

According to a new study by the Humane Society and its international affiliate, nearly 40,000 giraffe parts (representing nearly 4,000 individual giraffes) have been imported into the United States in the last decade.³

Giraffes Need Endangered Species Act Protections

Giving these long-necked creatures protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) would effectively stop the import, export and interstate trade of giraffe parts. It would:

• Effectively end the importing of giraffe parts into our country, eliminating a large market for dead giraffes; and
• Encourage other countries to enact their own bans on giraffe part imports.

 

How You Can Help

It’s a tragedy to lose any creature. But to sacrifice these vulnerable giraffes to be turned into boots, rugs, book covers and other goods is unconscionable.

We need your help to get giraffes listed under the ESA. Support our work on this and other vital environmental campaigns today.

We know we can win on this, with enough support.

Last year we succeeded in preserving critical protections for wolves, when Environmental Action members like you sent more than 25,000 messages to Washington, along with many more phone calls and social media calls-to-action.

With your help, we can do the same for giraffes. We’ll amplify this message and rally enough people to get the world’s tallest animal the protection of the Endangered Species Act.

Please be a part of this important effort and other work to protect wildlife and the environment. Donate today.

Donate to Help Protect
Giraffes and the Environment 

1. Karen Weintraub, “Giraffe Parts Sales Are Booming In The U.S., And It’s Legal,” The New York Times, August 23, 2018.
2. Jeff Mosier, “What has Dallas got to do with dwindling wild giraffe population in Africa?” Dallas Morning News, August 31, 2018.
3. Karen Weintraub, “Giraffe Parts Sales Are Booming In The U.S., And It’s Legal,” The New York Times, August 23, 2018.