Gigi Goes to Town

‘Gigi Goes to Town’ follows a young giraffe, named Gigi who shares the giraffe enclosure of Taronga Zoo with her mum.  Gigi has always felt quite different to the other animals in the zoo with her long neck, blue tongue and large spots, and even though she has a very important job to do within the zoo (every animal has a role to play) she often feels as though the other animals are more talented and have more to offer than she does. Because she is so tall, she is able to see when there is inclement weather approaching. She can warn the zoo about storms so the other animals can hide until the sun returns. Despite this, she feels that because she cannot perform or do tricks like some of the other animals, that she is not as worthy, something which her mother tells her is not the case.

As Gigi gazes out from her enclosure at the zoo, over the waters of Sydney Harbour, and notices the tall buildings that make up the city skyline.  She thinks to herself: “Surely there must be tall animals in those buildings!” So early one morning she packs her bag and sets off on a big adventure to explore the city. Her intention is to try and find some other animals just like her. When she arrives in the city, it is not as expected. The city is busy and bustling – full of people, trucks and cars…It’s not the tall animal haven she was hoping for!  Upon entering a tall building, she realises that she is alone, and she starts to regret her decision of leaving the zoo. Then, with a crack of thunder, the rain starts to fall.  And Gigi’s immediate reaction is to think of the other animals at the zoo – without her being there, who has been able to warn them about the impending storm? With her tail between her legs, she decides that it is time to return to the zoo; that she may not be able to sing or dance, but she is able to predict the weather. She worries that the other animals may tease her for leaving, be mad at her for not being able to warn them about the storm, or worse, not have even noticed that she had left at all.

However, what a reception when she returns! The animals have missed Gigi immensely. They tell her just how much they have missed her, that they love her and… the best bit – they love her = because she is different. Gigi then realises that not only is there no place like home, that her unique talents and qualities are what makes her a valued and loved member of the zoo. Gigi discovers that not only is it ok to be different, she realises that what makes her different is what makes her truly special.