BREATHE DEEP

At a birthday party, the celebrant takes a very deep breath, makes a wish, and tries to blow out all of the candles.  Giraffes can't take a deep breath, so couldn't do what the person did.  Why can't they do that?  Giraffe have evolved a very distinctive body shape and, along with that, comes a unique respiratory system. 

DR. FRED BERCOVITCH will describe how giraffe lungs and their breathing operate in a way that is both similar and different to the way that we breathe. We’ll be doing a fun activity so bring a balloon with you to the get together!

FRED BERCOVITCH is a comparative wildlife biologist, who has studied animal behavior, ecology, genetics, physiology, conservation, anatomy, and evolution. He earned his Ph.D. from UCLA based upon a two-year study of the reproductive behavior of baboons in Kenya. He studied giraffes at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, as well as in Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa. In addition to studying baboons and giraffes in the wild, he has studied African elephants in Botswana, koalas in Australia, snow monkeys in Japan, and rhesus monkeys in Puerto Rico. When not working, Fred thrives on hiking, backpacking, traveling, reading, sports, politics, and the news.

Join us on Saturday, May 24th 2025 at 11am EDT! Not a member of the Junior Giraffe Club? Join today for FREE.