Giraffe
Giraffes are among the most stunning animals walking the African savannahs. Set apart by their statuesque heights and graceful movements, these towering giants are a testament to the beauty of Africa’s diverse wildlife.
There are several distinct giraffe species, but the most common kinds are the Masai and Reticulated giraffes. Being keystone species, giraffes are critical in maintaining ecological balance; they are agents of seed dispersal contributing to plant species regeneration, and are also key players in the natural pruning of vegetation.
Diet
Giraffes are herbivores whose diet is made of leaves, flowers, and fruits. Acacia leaves are their staple. Despite bearing thorny branches, the giraffes’ long, prehensile tongues – which can measure up to 18 inches – allow them to pluck Acacia leaves while skillfully avoiding the thorns.
Giraffes spend a significant part of their day feeding and can consume around 75 pounds of vegetation daily. Baby giraffes, or calves, start by nursing from their mothers before they’re introduced to browsing.
Habitat
Giraffes inhabit the distinct geographies of Africa, melding into the savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands. They are found mostly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Different giraffe species are adapted to various habitats. The Masai giraffe, for instance, freely roams the savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania, while the Reticulated giraffe thrives in the dry regions of northern Kenya. Regardless of their differences, these habitats provide the perfect mix of cover and vast expanses for giraffe survival.
Size and Weight
Giraffes are the tallest living land animals. Adult males, known as bulls, can reach heights of up to 18 feet, while females, called cows, are slightly shorter, averaging around 14 to 16 feet. Males can weigh between 2,400 to 3,000 pounds, whereas females weigh between 1,600 to 2,600 pounds. A baby giraffe, or calf, is about 6 feet tall at birth and weighs around 100 to 150 pounds. Giraffes grow rapidly, reaching nearly their full height by the age of four.
Migration
Like many ungulates, giraffes partake in partial and short-distance migration. They move in herds within their home ranges driven by food and water resource needs and seasonal changes in their ecosystems. During seasons of limited access to resources, the giraffes can cover large areas to find the best feeding spots, which helps them maintain a healthy diet and population.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of giraffes varies among species. The IUCN lists some giraffe populations as Vulnerable with other species being Endangered or Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
The last decade, especially, has seen a decline in the populations of these magnificent animals in the wild, highlighting the need for heightened conservation.
Fast Facts
Ossicones
Slight sexual dimorphism: males have bigger ossicones, and the males fight for females. They use the ossicones for defense in the wild.
Scientists think they did not grow horns like rhinos since it would get in the way of reaching the leaves.
Ossicones on babies are pushed in to keep the mom and the baby safe during birth. This is much like the soft bones of a human baby.
Giraffe and Cattle Similarities
Males are called bulls and females are called cows. The babies are called calves. These names are just like West Texas cattle. The Zoo Keepers know the giraffe herd very well. All of the giraffes have very different personalities.
World Giraffe Day Festival - June 19th
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