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Why it may be a bad idea to bring a giraffe to a Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Posted at 2:44 PM, Dec 04, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-04 14:44:24-05

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) – A giraffe stole the crowd’s attention at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in
Charleston, South Carolina over the weekend. A giraffe on a leash became visibly upset and agitated when it was brought out just before the tree lighting.

The animal's handlers didn't get it out of the way quick enough when a confetti cannon discharged, scaring the giraffe again. The city's cultural affairs director says there was never any danger to the crowd.

"The handler immediately knew that he needed to take the giraffe back, out of the crowd, which he did," Charleston's Cultural Affairs Director Ellen Moryl said.

No one was injured and the animal is okay too. City officials say the giraffe was specially trained for public appearances.