Say the word “Giraffologist” slowly and imagine what it would be like to spend your days studying these gentle giants with long necks and big hearts.
The book Anne And Her Tower Of Giraffes: The Adventurous Life of the First Giraffologist by Karlin Gray, illustrated by Aparna Varma explores the life of the world’s first giraffologist. You might recognise the name Jane Goodall from her studies with chimpanzees, but Anne Innis Dagg has been less known for her work on giraffes.
Anne’s lifelong passion for giraffes began at the age of three when she first encountered the majestic animal at a zoo. As her eyes gazed into the giraffe’s big eyes at the zoo, she was mesmerised. And she never forgot it. Despite facing ridicule for her interest in giraffes, Anne’s determination to study these graceful creatures persisted from her early years to graduate school.
In 1956, Anne went to South Africa, alone, to study giraffes at Fleur de Lys Ranch. She was the first scientist to study wild animal behaviour in Africa – four years before Jane Goodall. The book tells Anne’s story but also includes an interview with her, a bibliography, and insights on apartheid, providing a rich learning experience for young readers.
By sharing Anne’s incredible journey with your children through this book, you can ignite their curiosity, inspire them to follow their dreams and instil a sense of wonder about the natural world and the power of perseverance
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Click here to learn more about Giraffes and Biomimicry – How to foster students’ love of learning, creative thinking and desires to improve the world
Biomimicry for Young Children 