Giraffe – Tallest Wonders of the Wild

How does Giraffe look like ?

The giraffe, native to Africa, is easily recognizable by its distinctively long neck and spotted coat. Standing as the world’s tallest land mammal, adult giraffes can reach heights of up to 18 feet. Their coat features irregular patches that can be tan, orange, or brown in color, separated by white spaces. These spots help camouflage them in their natural habitat.

Giraffes have two small horns called ossicones on their heads, covered with skin and fur. Their long necks, comprising seven neck vertebrae like humans, allow them to reach high branches for feeding. Their prehensile tongues, often over 18 inches long, help grasp and strip leaves from trees.

With a graceful and towering presence, giraffes are iconic residents of the African savannas, found in various countries across the continent. Their unique appearance and behaviors make them a captivating sight in the wild.

Key Characteristics Table – Giraffe

what Giraffe like to eat ?

Giraffes primarily feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of acacia trees, their preferred food source. Their long necks and tongues enable them to reach high branches that are out of reach for many other herbivores. Despite their towering height, giraffes are selective eaters, choosing tender leaves and avoiding thorns when possible.

In addition to acacias, giraffes diversify their diet by eating leaves from various tree species, along with grasses and herbs. Their digestive system is adapted to extract nutrients from the robust plant material they consume.

They can survive for long periods without drinking water if their diet includes succulent plants. However, they do drink when water is readily available, using their long legs to splay and reach down to the ground.

Know the importance of giraffe in african culture

In many African cultures, giraffes hold a special place as gentle giants, symbolizing peace, harmony, and good luck. They’re admired for their strength and resilience, with their towering necks seen as a metaphor for reaching towards the heavens.

They have made their mark in African art, music, and dance. The spots on their coats are often seen as a celestial reflection, mirroring the stars in the night sky. Furthermore, their towering necks are symbolically connected to both the earthly and heavenly realms.

Taking a stroll through history, giraffes weren’t only admired from a distance. In the past, they faced hunting for meat and hides, with their bones transformed into practical tools and weapons. Fortunately, times have evolved. Today, legal protections span most African countries, acknowledging giraffes as an indispensable part of the continent’s natural legacy.

Interesting facts about giraffe

• Giraffes are the tallest animals on land and can grow as tall as 18 or 19 feet.
• There are four kinds of giraffes found in Africa, and each type has its own unique spots.
• Even though their necks are very long, giraffes have only seven neck bones, just like people.
• No two giraffes have the same spot patterns; their spots are as unique as fingerprints.
• A giraffe’s tongue can be almost two feet long and is dark in color, which helps protect it from the sun.
• Giraffes hardly sleep, often getting by with half an hour of rest in a whole day.
• Their hearts are very large and strong so they can pump blood all the way up their long necks.
• Giraffes like company and are often seen together in groups, which are called towers.
• When a baby giraffe is born, it drops to the ground from quite a height but can stand up and walk within an hour.
• Male giraffes sometimes swing their necks at each other when they compete, but these fights don’t usually cause much harm.

Popular tours to spot giraffe

FAQs – Giraffe