They are beautiful, majestic and graceful! Giraffes often attract more attention and cause greater excitement that certain members of the big 5. There is just something about them that captures your attention and make you stop for a moment, just to watch them and appreciate them. Look at them closely and they're a little bit strange, observe them for a little longer and notice how regal they are.
The giraffe is the world's tallest animal
Giraffes have extremely elastic blood vessels in their neck. This helps them to leans their heads down to drink otherwise they would lose consciousness. Giraffes are also at their weakest when drinking and will do so with extreme caution.
A group of giraffes is called a "journey"
A giraffe has only two gaits - walking and galloping
When a giraffe lifts it's neck, it lifts 250kg (550pounds)
Giraffes are one of the few animals that use mostly their front legs when they run
Giraffes are silent, but not mute.
One kick from a giraffe can kill a lion
Giraffes are found across Africa and in healthy numbers, yet there is a threat from poachers
Giraffe means "one who walks swiftly"
Giraffes sleep between 5 and 30 minutes in 24 hours
The closest relative to the giraffe is the Okapi, that has a shorter neck. The Okapi is found in the forests of the Congo.
Living in loose, open herds, giraffes are non-territorial and sociable.
Giraffe are fast and reach speeds of 15meters per second
Female giraffes weigh 700 - 1182kg (1540 - 2600lb) on average
Like human fingerprints, the coat pattern of each giraffe is unique
A giraffe tongue is black and measures 68cm (27")
Newborn giraffe calves have an adventurous start to life - by falling 6 feet to the ground
Nothing as elegant as a running giraffe
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