Giraffes are native to Africa from Chad in the north to South Africa in the south. They prefer savannahs and woodlots. There are four species of giraffes; northern, southern, reticulated and Masai. They can be distinguished from one another by their coat patterns and genetics. There are also several subspecies, 5 or 9 depending in the source of information.



The Giraffe is the tallest terrestrial animal. They stand between 4/3 and 5.7 m (14.1 – 18.7 ft) tall. Males are taller than females. The tallest recorded giraffe was 5.88 m (19.3 ft) tall.



They eat the leaves, fruit and flowers of woody plants, particularly the acacia species. They get much of the water they need from their food. An adult giraffe can eat 34 kg (75 lb) per day. They use their 45 cm (18 in) tongue to strip the leaves from the branches and avoid the thorns of the acacia tree.

Fun Facts

The neck of the Giraffe contains the same number of vertebra as any other mammal – seven. However each vertebra is up to 28 cm (11 in) long. Giraffes only have one close relative – the Okapi. The horn-like growths on the head are called Ossicones. They are ossified cartilage covered in skin and attached to the parietal bones.