Giraffes belong on the open African plains, safe from poachers and trophy hunters. Protection under the Endangered Species Act would help the species survive and prevent unnecessary suffering.
Their distinctive long necks, which allow them to reach into the trees for leafy snacks, still aren’t quite long enough to reach the ground. The animals have to spread their front legs and bend awkwardly to take a drink of water.
Female giraffes give birth standing up, which means their babies drop more than six feet to the ground. It clearly doesn’t damage them—most newborn giraffes are up and walking within an hour or two.
Giraffes have suffered a massive 40 percent decline in wild populations since 1985, but still have absolutely no international protections. If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists them as endangered, it would curb the U.S. trade in giraffe skins and other body parts.