Giraffe
Giraffe - Giraffe information - Giraffe facts
The Giraffe is the tallest living land animal. Its height is up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) while its shoulders are at the height of 2.5 meters! Therefore you can easily spot any giraffe even from the long distance. It has got a long tail measuring up to 90 cm. Its weight ranges from 600 kg to 1 800 kg (2 500 lb on average). The Giraffe has got a typical brownish and yellowish colour with reticulated pattern. Thank to their specific colour and pattern we can divide giraffes into several groups.
From the anatomical point of view, this animal is a unique creature. Despite its long neck it has got the same number of the cervical vertebrae as humans have. As a mammal it has got 7 cervical vertebrae. Its neck is exceptionally flexible and moves from side to side when giraffes are running. Arteries in its neck have got valves in order to bring enough blood up to the head. Valves enable blood to move only in one way – up to the head. On its small head, there are few small horns. Its sight is extremely good as well as its hearing sense. The giraffes have got very long legs too. They can reach the speed of 50 km per hour (30 mph). When drinking, giraffes have to spread their legs so the head can reach the water level.
This long-necked mammal lives in Africa, but mainly in the southern parts of the Sahara. Plains and woodlands are their natural habitat. Breeding usually occurs from July till September. Gestation period lasts approximately 15 months with one offspring born.
The Giraffes feed on leaves, fruit etc. Their long (50 cm) and flexible tongue can reach almost every leave. In case of emergence they can use their forefeet to defend themselves. Generally the giraffes live up to 20 years long.
Rothschild Giraffe ( Giragga camelopardalis rothschildii )
Reticulated Giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis )
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