Glenmorangie celebrates World Giraffe Day by lending a hand at Edinburgh Zoo

Whisky maker Anna Patterson swapped Glenmorangie Distillery’s giraffe-high stills to work with the animals themselves at Edinburgh Zoo, to mark World Giraffe Day.

Article Source: Glenmorangie
Last Updated: 21 June 2022 11:02

21/06/22 - She spends most of her time creating delicious spirit for Glenmorangie’s Highland single malt Scotch whisky. But yesterday whisky maker Anna Patterson swapped the Distillery’s giraffe-high stills to work with the animals themselves at Edinburgh Zoo, to mark World Giraffe Day.

Held on June 21 – the longest day (or longest night) of the year, the event is an annual celebration of this majestic, but endangered animal. As part of its ongoing conservation partnership to protect the giraffe in the wild, Glenmorangie is also supporting a trail of towering giraffe sculptures taking over Edinburgh this summer, and a series of evening events at the zoo.

The giraffe has long been a beloved symbol of Glenmorangie. The same height as a giraffe, its stills allow more space for taste and aroma, which is why the Distillery’s spirit is so wonderfully delicate and fruity. But the giraffe faces serious threats in the wild, from poaching to habitat loss. Numbers have fallen almost 30% in just 30 years, with some populations now critically endangered. To help the giraffe, in 2020 Glenmorangie forged a pioneering partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) to safeguard wild giraffes in Africa and provide a habitat for the animal at Edinburgh Zoo, which welcomed its new bachelor herd in 2021.

For World Giraffe Day, Anna, who usually works in Glenmorangie’s still house, spent time at the zoo assisting the giraffes’ keepers. She learned how to care for the animals, helping to feed them and keep their enclosure in tip-top condition. Anna also met RZSS WildGenes experts in their laboratory, the UK’s only zoo-based genetics lab, to hear about their work supporting GCF. Under the partnership with Glenmorangie, the scientists are conducting cutting-edge DNA research to support the reintroduction of Nubian (formerly known as Rothschild’s) giraffes, to areas of Uganda where giraffes are locally extinct.

Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo said: “It is great to see Glenmorangie get stuck in and involved with our team to learn more about our incredible giraffe herd. We know from first-hand experience that connecting with nature can inspire and empower people to make change for wildlife and our herd act as great ambassadors for raising awareness for the threats the species face in the wild. Anna has been a great help and we look forward to working together again in future to champion giraffe conservation.”

Glenmorangie is celebrating the giraffe in even more ways this summer. It is the official presenting partner of Edinburgh Zoo’s Giraffe About Town trail, in which a herd of more than 40 eight-foot-tall giraffe sculptures will be placed around the capital from 1 July to 29 August. Designed to help the city recover following the pandemic, the trail will also raise vital funds for the charity’s wildlife conservation work. Glenmorangie will sponsor two of the giraffe models, which will showcase its conservation partnership.

To further mark the trail, Glenmorangie is supporting a series of After Hours events at the zoo, held exclusively for adults. On six evenings in June, July and August, over-18s can explore the zoo after its usual closing time, enjoying acoustic sets and specially crafted Glenmorangie cocktails. Whisky and cocktail masterclasses will be held on selected evenings.

Caspar Macrae, Glenmorangie Global Marketing Director, said: “Since it is the same height as the stills in which we create our delicious spirit, the giraffe has always been adored at Glenmorangie. And we are dedicated to doing all we can to ensure its future. I’m delighted that Anna had the opportunity to meet the herd at Edinburgh Zoo for herself, and learn more about the ground-breaking work of our partners, as we mark World Giraffe Day. From late-night adult events at the zoo to the eye-catching sculptures planned for the Giraffe About Town trail in Edinburgh, we will continue on our mission to raise awareness of this majestic animal’s plight in every way we can.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh partners with Aperol to transform iconic rooftop bar

Cold Town House in the Grassmarket has teamed up with Italy’s iconic orange bittersweet aperitif, Aperol, to add some spritz to its city centre location from May until September.

Major new displays at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One this summer

Discover some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art at Modern One this Summer with a series of free ARTIST ROOMS displays in Edinburgh from 12 July 2025.

Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.

Giant Lanterns are back with a splash at Edinburgh Zoo!

For the first time in six years, Edinburgh Zoo is bringing its Giant Lanterns event back with a splash this winter.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Gilded Balloon announce 40th anniversary programming

One of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s most iconic venues, Gilded Balloon, has announced a huge roster of legendary names to celebrate its 40th anniversary this August.

Conifox Champions Allergy Inclusion for Families

Allergy Awareness in Action as Conifox Adventure Park sets a new standard for safe family days out.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Skerryvore castle concert capacity grows due to global demand

A special one-off event celebrating the 20th anniversary of beloved Scottish band Skerryvore is getting even bigger, organisers have announced.

Edinburgh International Book Festival announces expanded The Front List series for 2025

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is delighted to announce the second year of The Front List, in partnership with Underbelly.

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

Edinburgh shopper scoops hundreds of pounds for CHAS in ALDI Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £726.77 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself.

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!

Top Scottish chefs take on ultimate kitchen cook off at food hall Bonnie & Wild

Some of Scotland’s best chefs are sharpening their knives for the ultimate kitchen cook-off at Scottish food hall Bonnie & Wild.

New spring season for a new look Capital Theatres

Capital Theatres’ spring season brings with it a new look, new shows and new extraordinary experiences.

Travel back in time to The World of King James VI and I

A special, one-off exhibition opens at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh this Saturday (26 April), charting the remarkable reign of King James VI and I.

Music Venue Trust launch Annual Report in Scottish Parliament

Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs) launched its 2024 Annual Report in Scottish Parliament with a special event last night.

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

Appeal to Restore Scottish Veterans Memorial

Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) have launched a major public appeal to restore the charity’s century-old Memorial at Eastern Cemetery in Leith, Edinburgh.

Bluey brought to real life in Smash Hit Show

Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play and it's coming to Edinburgh Playhouse!

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Glenmorangie celebrates World Giraffe Day by lending a hand at Edinburgh Zoo

Whisky maker Anna Patterson swapped Glenmorangie Distillery’s giraffe-high stills to work with the animals themselves at Edinburgh Zoo, to mark World Giraffe Day.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings