5 Facts about Giraffes:

Giraffes are the tallest land animals, with males reaching heights of up to 18 feet
(5.5 meters) and females around 14 feet (4.3 meters). Their long necks, which
consist of seven vertebrae, allow them to browse leaves and foliage from tall trees
that are out of reach for other herbivores.

Giraffes have unique coat patterns that are individual to each giraffe, similar to
human fingerprints. The patterns serve as a form of camouflage, helping them blend
in with their surroundings and providing protection against predators.

These gentle giants are herbivores and primarily feed on leaves, twigs, and buds
from acacia, mimosa, and other trees. Their specialized tongue, which can be up to
18 inches (45 centimeters) long, allows them to pluck leaves from trees with ease.

Giraffes are social animals that live in loose herds, typically consisting of
females and their offspring. Males, on the other hand, tend to be more solitary and
join female herds only during breeding season. Within herds, giraffes establish
social hierarchies through various behaviors, including necking (males swinging
their necks at each other).

Despite their towering stature, giraffes have a unique way of moving. They use a
pacing gait, where both the legs on one side move simultaneously, followed by the
legs on the other side. This gait gives giraffes a distinctive swaying motion as
they walk or run, contributing to their graceful appearance. Giraffes can also
reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) when running.