Everything You Need To Know About Giraffes
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Giraffes are herbivorous mammals who live in the savannah. They spend at least 11 hours eating every day and eat more than 100 different species of plants but their favourite is acacia. Their long neck makes it difficult to feed on grass so they prefer leaves and fruits from the trees.
Their tongue measures 50cm which allows them to feed easily. They are often found in small groups of two or three. Groups of three are often composed of either two females and a male or three females. The size of the group varies depending on the season - in dry season they scatter across the savannah in order to find food. Groups of 10-15 giraffe are more common in the rainy season. Solitary giraffes stay in wooded areas.
Giraffes are not mute, they can actually make a variety of sounds. In cases of danger they can make growling or low humming sounds. Male giraffes clash all year round and their fights can be violent.
The female giraffe will give birth to her first baby at 5 years old. The average giraffe will have babies every 18 months until the age of 20. Gestation lasts 15 months. Giraffes give birth standing up so the baby faces a 2 metre drop when it is born!
