Welcome to Mother Giraffe as she encourages you to stand tall and become a human giraffe.

Animal giraffes have hearts that weigh up to 25 pounds. Human Giraffes have compassion: they are "big-hearted" and care about themselves and others.

Animal Giraffes have very long necks that help them see over the tops of trees and keep track of each other and of dangers that might be. Human Giraffes have courage, "sticking their necks out" to protect people and things they care about, taking risks to do good and standing tall for what they believe in. Their actions often alert families, communities and teams to dangers that must be faced.

Animal Giraffes can travel for hours, maintaining a steady, high speed and can outdistance their only known enemy, the lion.  Human Giraffes have persistence; they keep trying until they reach their goals, overcoming all obstacles. To fall over does not mean to fail.

Animal Giraffes are not destructive; they do not hunt or kill other animals, and the enzymes in their mouths help the trees they graze on leaf out again quickly. Human Giraffes are committed to making things better in the world around them. They do not hurt others, they care about the environment and they encourage growth.

Haere hei kai-arahi (Go as a leader)