Giraffe

The giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world, known for its long neck, spotted coat, and gentle eyes. These peaceful giants move slowly, eat calmly, and are a joy to watch in the wild.

 Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Artiodactyla

• Family: Giraffidae

• Genus: Giraffa

• Species: Giraffa camelopardalis (and subspecies)

Common Names

• Giraffe

• “Kirin” (in some Asian languages)

• “Zaki” (in Hausa)

• “Twiga” (in Swahili)

Giraffes are often seen as symbols of elegance, height, and balance across cultures.

Geographic Distribution

Giraffes are found in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in:

• Kenya

• Tanzania

• South Africa

• Namibia

• Nigeria (very few in the wild)

They live in savannas, open woodlands, and grasslands, where they can easily reach treetops.

Image showing a giraffe walking across the African savanna (Source: Shutterstock)

Physical Characteristics

• Height: Up to 5.5–6 meters (18–20 feet)

• Weight: 800–1,200 kg (up to 2,600 pounds)

• Neck: About 2 meters long, with 7 long vertebrae

• Coat: Covered in brown patches separated by lighter lines

• Horns: Short skin-covered “ossicones” on top of the head

Despite their long necks, giraffes have the same number of neck bones as humans (seven)!

Types of Giraffes

There are several types (or subspecies) of giraffes. Each has unique patterns and distribution.

1. Masai Giraffe

Key Facts:

• Found in Kenya and Tanzania

• Has dark, jagged patches

• Largest population of giraffes

2. Reticulated Giraffe

Image showing a Reticulated giraffe with neat, net-like patterns (Source: Animal Corner)

Key Facts:

• Found in northern Kenya and Somalia

• Has clear, net-like pattern

• Very beautiful and popular in zoos

3. Southern Giraffe

Image showing Southern giraffe walking in South African grassland (Source: Robert Harding)

Key Facts

• Found in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana

• Light-colored patches

• Friendly and calm nature

What do giraffes eat?

Giraffes are herbivores (plant eaters). They mostly eat:

• Leaves from acacia trees

• Flowers, fruits, and seedpods

• Twigs and bark during dry seasons

Their long tongues (up to 45 cm) help them grab leaves high up in trees.

 Fun facts

• A giraffe’s kick can kill a lion.

• Their tongue is purple-black to avoid sunburn.

• They only sleep for 5–30 minutes at a time.

• Baby giraffes are born 6 feet tall!

• Giraffes can run up to 60 km/h (37 mph) in short bursts.

 Importance to Humans

Positives:

• Attract tourists and support wildlife conservation

• Inspire art, fashion, and stories

• Play a role in balancing tree populations

• Giraffes are peaceful and rarely cause harm

Negatives:

• Can damage trees if overpopulated in an area

• In rare cases, may knock over fences on farms

• Sometimes hunted illegally for meat or skin

 Health & common issues

Giraffes in the wild or zoos may suffer from:

Common problems include the following:

• Foot problems due to long standing

• Skin diseases like fungal infections

• Parasites (ticks and worms)

• Joint pain in older giraffes

• Injuries from falls or predators

Veterinary care needs:

• Regular hoof checks

• Balanced diet and mineral supplements

• Large spaces to move freely

• Treatment for parasites and wounds

 Conservation status

Giraffes are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Threats include:

• Habitat loss due to farming and roads

• Illegal hunting (poaching)

• Droughts and water scarcity

• Human-wildlife conflict

Conservation efforts:

• Wildlife parks and reserves

• Education and community awareness

• Anti-poaching patrols

• Breeding programs in zoos

Giraffe vs Elephant

Image showing a mother giraffe and calf with wildebeests in the background  (Source: lookphotos)

Are you curious about wildlife or need help with exotic animals?, You can visit Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital today or call 08143397614.