Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The Giraffe browses on leaves and can reach branches 19 feet from the ground. During rainy seasons, Giraffes range widely, eating where ever they find food; in the dry season, they concentrate on evergreen trees growing along watercourses. They drink every few days when water is available. Females and young live in maternal herds. Males separate from their mothers in their third year to join bachelor herds, gradually becoming solitary with maturity.

Look For : The tallest mammal in the world, unmistakable for its very long legs and neck. All giraffes have a blotchy yellow and black or brown coat-color pattern, unique to each individual. Both sexes have horns. Tongue to 18" long; narrow snout; short neck mane.

Length : Up to 18' tall, tail 30-60" long; 1,540-3,070 lb.

Habitat : Savannas, especially those with acacias and other thorny trees and bushes.

Range : Africa, south of the Sahara.