Filling a birdbath. Petting a neighbor's dog. Moving a worm off the sidewalk. Each day offers a chance to "stick our necks out" for animals. One such opportunity came to Autumn Faucher on a chilly fall morning.

The ten-year-old was watching TV when she caught the heartbreaking story of Beau. A Masai giraffe at Massachusetts' Franklin Park Zoo, Beau was dying. He had an incurable disease that was causing him to starve. Already he was 300 pounds underweight.

To survive, Beau would need 50 pounds of leaves, branches, and veggies a day. In the winter, food would have to be shipped to Massachusetts from warm climates. Beau's diet would cost a whopping $50,000 a year.

"I want to help," Autumn told her parents. She thought hard—and fast—about how she could save the ailing giraffe's life.

A Tall Order
During recess Autumn collected empty soda cans and coins. She set aside birthday money and Christmas checks. She stuck a donation can on the counter at her parents' convenience store and organized a carnival to benefit Beau. Before long, she raised $6,000 to pay for his food. Two years later, she shows no signs of quitting.

"I'd like to help all animals," she explains. "We take care of people when they're sick. Why wouldn't we do that for animals too?"

Update! In January 2006, Beau and his mate had a baby giraffe. The baby has been named Autumn in honor of the girl who helped save Beau's life!