Habitat
Giraffes live in the dry savannahs of Africa, roaming open plains and woodlands.
Tallest land animal
An adult male giraffe can reach around 5.5 m tall (that’s taller than three adult humans!).
Height is for safety
Their height helps them spot predators like lions or hyenas from far away. They also have excellent eyesight.
Herbivores, feeding strategy
Giraffes eat plants. Their favorite on the menu is leaves and buds from acacia trees. Their long necks let them reach up high. Their tongues (up to ~53 cm long) also help pull foliage down.
Big eaters
They spend much of their day eating and can consume up to 45 kg of leaves and twigs daily.
Water intake
Even though they eat a lot, giraffes don’t drink very often. They get much of their water from the plants they eat and only need to drink once every few days.
Social groups (“towers”)
Giraffes are social animals. They travel in groups known as “towers,” typically about 15 individuals, led by an adult male.
Necking battles
To compete for dominance, males (called bulls) “fight” by swinging and butting their long necks and heads in a behavior called necking. Usually not too dangerous, and the loser backs down.
Birth and newborns
Female giraffes give birth standing up, meaning a newborn falls about 1.5 m to the ground. Despite the fall, calves stand within ~30 minutes and can run within a few hours.
Lifespan
In the wild, giraffes typically live around 25 years. In captivity, they sometimes reach 40 years or more.
