Giraffe

Giraffes inhabit dry tree scattered terrain, south of the Sahara. The giraffe also is found in southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya, and the surrounding region.

The adult giraffe averages 17 ft. (5.3 meters) in height. The height makes the giraffe the tallest animal in the world. Adult giraffes weight on average is 1800 lbs (800kg). The adult giraffes' 15 in (40cm) tongue is able to reach high into Acacia trees and rip the leaves off.

The Acacia tree leaves are the giraffes main food.They also eat tree leaves, tree and shrub shoots and flowers. Unlike many grass-eating herbivores of Africa, giraffes do not migrate during dry seasons because they get most of their food and most of their moisture from the Acacia leaves. Giraffes rarely graze grass because they can go for more than a month without drinking and the few times they must spread their long fore legs widely to reach the water.

The giraffe's life span is up to 26 years in the wild, and 36 years in captivity.

The giraffe has 7 neck vertebrae, they are elongated to support its extremely long and muscular neck. Due to the distance between the giraffe's heart and head its vascular system the giraffe is equipped with valves so that sufficient blood reaches the brain.

The adult giraffe has 2 or 4 short blunt skin-covered horns. Giraffes have chestnut brown blotches against a buff background marking that blend with the dappled shadows of tree branches. As giraffes age their color grows a darker brown. Each giraffe has a unique set of markings.

Giraffes congregate in loosely organized herds of 2 to 10 giraffes. With many giraffes coming and going.

Giraffes have a keen sense of hearing and smell and an outstanding sense of sight.

The giraffes gallop with the hind feet reaching in front of the fore feet with the neck swinging widely making them look slow. When walking they pace. Moving the 2 feet of 1 side forward simultaneously. Giraffes can reach the speed of 35mph (56km/h).

They sleep in standing positions usually. Giraffes protect themselves by kicking with their large heavy hooves.

The giraffes belong to the Giraffidae family. The giraffe is classified as Giraffa Camelopardalis.