HYDERABAD — It was a towering occasion at the Nehru Zoological Park on Sunday, June 21, as zoo authorities, veterinary staff, and eager visitors gathered to celebrate World Giraffe Day. The spotlight belonged entirely to Bunny, the zoo’s beloved 10-year-old male giraffe, who is currently the sole resident giraffe at the park.
To honor the occasion, the zoo staff went all out, preparing a specialized 5-kg cake crafted entirely from Bunny’s favorite nutritious treats, including fresh fruits, vegetables, green leaves, nuts, and beans. Visitors, especially children, watched with delight as the gentle giant tucked into his customized birthday feast.
Bunny's 5-Kg Celebration Cake Ingredients:
├── Fruits & Vegetables (Fresh & Nutrient-rich)
├── Leafy Greens & Foliage
└── Assorted Nuts & Beans
The Meaning Behind the Date
During the celebration, Deputy Curator J. Muralidhar shared a fascinating fact with the crowd regarding why June 21 is designated for these animals annually.
“World Giraffe Day is observed globally on June 21 because it marks the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—coinciding beautifully with the world’s tallest land animal.”
— J. Muralidhar, Deputy Curator
He further educated the public on their natural background, noting that giraffes are native to the African savannas, are strictly herbivores, and are highly social creatures that naturally live in groups. He also explained how their unique, mosaic-like skin patterns can vary depending on the climatic and geographical conditions of their habitat.
Connecting with the Community
As part of the zoo’s core mission to promote wildlife education, the event featured two interactive “Animal Keeper Talks.” Assistant Animal Keeper Buchanna and Zoo Education Officer Deepak Tharun hosted sessions directly at the enclosure. They engaged with visitors to answer questions about giraffe behavior, their specialized diets, and their lifespan in both the wild and captivity.
Zoo Curator J. Vasantha emphasized that the Hyderabad zoo regularly hosts these public awareness programmes to build a deeper connection between citizens and wildlife conservation.
Looking to the Future: A Companion for Bunny
While the day was filled with joy, it also highlighted a poignant reality: Bunny has been living a solitary life since the passing of his older companion, Tsunami Basant, in late 2024.
However, zoo authorities shared an exciting silver lining for Hyderabad’s wildlife lovers. Curator J. Vasantha officially confirmed that active efforts are underway to secure a female companion for Bunny from another zoological park through an upcoming animal exchange programme, promising a much-anticipated family expansion in the near future.
