Just recently, a little animal was born, quite unexpectedly, at the Santa Barbara zoo. In honor of this 5 foot 9 inch, 105 pound baby, our power animal of the month is Giraffe. And what creature could be more appropriate to call forth for the month of love and presidents day than stately Giraffe? For the adult’s heart forms a giant, 25 pound, two- foot long valentine, as he/she holds its noggin as high as any head of state, or two story building.
Giraffe is an impressive symbol of evolution: in order to eat the leaves found in its native lands of Africa, usually the Arcacia trees, its body has adapted to develop a neck as tall as the trees. If you find yourself needing to adapt to new circumstances or surroundings, surrounding yourself with images of Giraffe might help you grow too.
Giraffes are also strong symbols of flexibility and community, as they move in packs that ebb and flow in size and make-up. Mother Giraffes often band together for safety, and take turns baby sitting by one female watching over all the “little” ones, while the other ladies go foraging. Male giraffes are seen necking with other males even more than females. Thus, they can serve as a reminder that friendship, affection, love and sex knows no bounds, serves purposes other than procreation even in the animal kingdom, and is quite “natural.”
This month, if you are reaching for something that has long been unobtainable, remember Giraffe. They run fast, stretch their necks to great heights, and can go for long times without food or water; typically, they sleep less than 30 minutes a night. Giraffe teaches us all about endurance, persistence, self reliance and reaching for the stars, no matter what obstacles are in the way.
