VALDOSTA, Ga. — Wild Adventures Theme Park is celebrating World Giraffe Day by introducing a new enrichment activity for its resident giraffes, Bariki and Bakari.

The special observance, held annually on the longest day of the year, highlights giraffe conservation and education efforts around the world. To mark the occasion, Wild Adventures’ Animal Care team unveiled a large enrichment ball designed to provide both tactile and cognitive stimulation for the giraffes.

According to park officials, Bariki and Bakari are currently becoming familiar with the new addition to their habitat. As they grow more comfortable with it, the giraffes will be encouraged to push, kick and nudge the ball, promoting natural behaviors and mental engagement.

World Giraffe Day also offers an opportunity to share facts about the world’s tallest land mammal. Giraffes can grow up to 18 feet tall and run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Despite their long necks, giraffes have the same number of cervical vertebrae as humans — seven. Their tongues can reach up to 20 inches in length, and each giraffe’s spot pattern is unique, much like a human fingerprint.

As herbivores, giraffes eat only plants. At Wild Adventures, Bariki and Bakari are especially fond of elm tree clippings, which rank among their favorite snacks.

Guests visiting Wild Adventures can meet Bariki and Bakari during the park’s daily Giraffe Feedings at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The park also offers an exclusive Giraffe Animal Tour at 11 a.m., where visitors can learn more about the animals’ diet, behavior and daily care from members of the Animal Care team.

Wild Adventures encourages guests to join in celebrating World Giraffe Day while learning more about one of the planet’s most iconic species.