Giraffe Facts

The name giraffe is derived from the Arab word "Xirapha," which means "the one who walks very fast." The tallest living animal on land is the giraffe. It is 5.5 meters tall while its shoulders stand at a height of 2.5 meters. The giraffe is a unique creature, because despite the length of its neck, it has the same number of cervical vertebrae that a human has.

Amazing Giraffe Facts

• A new born giraffe measures about 6 feet.
• A giraffe is one of the animals who is born with a horn.
• The scientific name of the giraffe is "Camelopardalis."
• Each giraffe has a unique coat pattern.
• The tongue of an adult giraffe measures 27".
• Giraffes are vegetarians and live on the leaves of the baobab tree.
• Every step a giraffe takes is 15 feet in length.
• The giraffe is able to grasp objects such as leaves with the help of its tongue.
• Giraffes sleep for no more than 5 to 30 minutes in 24 hours.
• Luckily, giraffes have elastic blood vessels in their necks, this makes it possible for them to drink water from a stream, without fainting.
• A group of giraffes constitute a herd.
• Neck wrestling matches are often held to show authority in their herds.
• A giraffe is the one of the largest, strongest and peaceful animals on Earth.
• An adult male giraffe is called a bull, a female is called a cow and a young giraffe a calf.
• The average life span of a giraffe is 20 to 25 years.
• A large male giraffe can eat up to 100 pounds of food in a single day.
• A giraffes age can be calculated from its spots, as the darker the spots, the older the giraffe.
• Lions and large packs of hyenas, are the giraffe's enemies.
• A lion can die if kicked by a giraffe.
• A giraffe's heart is 24 pounds in weight and 2 feet in length.
• Giraffes are social animals, that live in open herds.
• A giraffe seldom lies down, it can sleep as well as give birth standing up!
• Giraffes are silent animals, but, they are certainly not mute. Sounds like the bleating of calves, and the bellowing of cows, have been heard.
• Giraffes can survive for long periods without consuming water.
• Giraffes are blessed with excellent eyesight. This helps them keep an eye on each other from a distance.