The Scottish Archery team are hoping the world's tallest mammal will bring them a spot of luck at the upcoming Commonwealth Archery Championships Europe competition (28-29 August 2021), having adopted the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) giraffe, Arrow, from Edinburgh Zoo as their mascot.
The Commonwealth nations within Europe will come together at Lilleshall National Sports Centre to compete in the Commonwealth Archery Championships Europe 2021. Scotland is sending a 24-strong team and each archer will shoot a qualification round (WA 70/50 round) on the morning of Saturday 28 August. Elimination matches for mixed gender team and team of three archers per bowstyle and gender will follow in the afternoon.
On Sunday 29 August, the medal matches for mixed team and team for barebow, compound and recurve bowstyles will take place. Archery GB will be live streaming the team finals matches on Sunday 29 August through our social media channels.
Arrow the giraffe arrived at Edinburgh Zoo alongside four other bachelor giraffes in early May this year. The wildlife conservation charity has partnered with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bring giraffes back to the capital for the first time in over 15 years, and support vital work to protect the species in the wild.
Scottish Archery Team Manager said: Â"When the team heard that one of the giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo was called Arrow we knew that he would make the perfect mascot for us and we are delighted to be able to adopt the herd. He will bring us lots of luck at the Commonwealth Championships Europe!”
Natalie Burke, Membership & Adoption Manager at RZSS, said: Â"We love finding new ways to engage people with wildlife conservation and we're delighted that Scottish Archery has adopted our giraffe herd, with Arrow as their mascot.
Â"Nubian giraffes are critically endangered, with wild giraffe numbers declining by 30% since the 1980s. Every adoption and visit to Edinburgh Zoo helps our charity feed and care for animals like Arrow and protects threatened species around the world.
Â"We wish Scottish Archery the best of luck in the championships this weekend!”
If you are interested in adopting any of the animals at Edinburgh Zoo, you can find out more at rzss.org.uk/adopt
