Geoffrey the Giraffe, the mascot for Toys "R" Us, was created in 1965, making him 60 years old as of October 2025. Originally known as "Dr. G. Raffe" in print ads during the 1950s, the character was officially named Geoffrey and became the mascot for the rebranded toy chain in 1965.
History. The toy has been made in France (as Sophie la Girafe) since 1961, first in Asnières-sur-Oise, near Paris by Delacoste then from 1991 by Vulli based in Rumilly in the French Alps. Its name refers to its launch on 25 May 1961, the feast day of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat.
Geoffrey the Giraffe is the official mascot of the toy store chain, Toys "R" Us. Geoffrey made his debut as "Dr. G. Raffe" for Toys "R" Us' predecessor store, Children's Bargain Town.
The most common causes of death for giraffe from 1991 to 2015 were neonatal issues (234/845, 27.7%), trauma (213/845, 25.2%), noninfectious disease (190/845, 22.5%), and infectious disease (188/845, 22.2%).
The reasons babies seem to enjoy Sophie so much can be partly explained by her shape. Although it is a teething toy, at 7.5 inches tall it fits perfectly into tiny, sticky palms and its long thin neck can be cradled like a teddy. The nose and ears are interesting and easy to chew on – so are the legs.
Sophie has a hole that lets air in and out, and which makes the toy squeezable. But that also means moisture can get inside. This liquid is usually either the saliva of a child chewing the giraffe, or the result of parents cleaning it.
Finding deeply discounted or cheap prices through search engines or on seemingly authentic Sophie la girafe sites are often a good indication that a product is counterfeit.
On March 15, 2021, it was announced that brand management company WHP Global acquired a controlling interest in Tru Kids, which is the parent company of the Toys "R Us, Babies R Us and Geoffrey the Giraffe brands.
Yes, Toys "R" Us is making a significant comeback in 2025, expanding its physical presence in the U.S. with new flagship stores and numerous seasonal holiday pop-ups, building on its partnership with Go! Retail Group to offer nostalgic shopping experiences and meet growing demand, according to articles from late 2025.
REST IN PEACE, #APRIL 💔 The world's most famous #giraffe has died. Millions waited in suspense to watch her give birth on Animal Adventure Park's live giraffe cam. Zookeepers said she was euthanized this morning due to worsening arthritis. She was 20 years old.
Giraffes typically live around 25 years in the wild, though some research suggests they can live longer, potentially past 30. In captivity, with protection from predators and consistent care, their lifespan can extend further, with some individuals reaching into their early 30s.
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge is historical fiction based on a real event: the 1938 journey of two giraffes from New York to the San Diego Zoo after surviving a hurricane at sea, a journey that captivated Depression-era America. While the central event and some historical figures (like zookeepers) are true, the main characters, particularly the young narrator Woody Nickel, and their specific adventures are fictionalized for the story, though inspired by accounts of the era.
Giraffes. Male giraffes have been observed to engage in remarkably high frequencies of homosexual behavior. After aggressive "necking", it is common for two male giraffes to caress and court each other, leading up to mounting and climax.
“The retailers thought it was too expensive — they were selling teethers for $5,” Dumoulin-Montgomery recalls. So she focused on everything that made Sophie different from those drugstore teethers: She's made in France rather than China, and she's made of natural rubber, not plastic.
Giraffes give birth standing up. The baby giraffe's head and hooves come out first, followed by the rest of the body, which then falls six feet to the ground with a crash. This rude, abrupt and dramatic entry into the world is absolutely necessary for mother and calf's survival.
Shushing means making a “shhh” sound near the baby's ear, like the sounds they heard in the womb. This technique can be very soothing for infants as it helps to block out other noises and create a calming environment.
Because Sophie la girafe is made out of all natural plant-based latex and hand-painted with natural food paint, she is safe for your baby to taste and chew on. The smell of the natural rubber will help baby identify the teething toy.
In the wild, giraffes often sleep in short, five-minute bursts while standing, always on high alert for predators like lions. Their bodies aren't built for lying down for long, which makes it difficult for them to get up quickly if danger strikes.
Because mourning is not limited to big-brained cetaceans (whales and dolphins) or primates – scientists have documented some form of “death response” in seals, manatees, dingoes, horses, dogs, housecats, and more.
