Giraffes inhabit Africa's dry savannahs, freely roaming across open plains and through woodlands.
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Tallest Land Giants
Renowned for their long necks, these gentle giants stand as the world’s tallest land animals. An adult male can reach heights of around 5.5m – taller than three adult humans!
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Height Advantage
Giraffes' towering stature aids in spotting predators like lions and hyenas. Their exceptional eyesight enables them to detect hungry beasts from afar.
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Plant-based Diet
As herbivores, giraffes solely consume plants. Their preferred meal is the acacia tree, utilising their long necks to reach treetop leaves and buds. Their extended tongues, reaching up to 53cm, aid in grasping high-growing foliage.
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Voracious Eaters
Giraffes are voracious eaters, dedicating much of their time to consuming up to 45 kg of leaves and twigs daily!
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Minimal Water Intake
Despite their hefty meals, giraffes don’t drink much water. They primarily hydrate from leafy meals, needing to drink only once every few days.
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Social Tower Dynamics
Giraffes are highly social, forming groups known as towers. Typically led by an adult male, towers consist of around 15 members, including females and young males.
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Gentle Bull Battles
Male giraffes, known as bulls, engage in gentle battles called 'necking', where they butt their long necks and heads to establish dominance. These contests are typically non-dangerous and conclude when one bull concedes and retreats.
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Birth & Beginnings
Female giraffes give birth standing up, resulting in newborns experiencing a 1.5m drop to the ground! Despite the rough start, they quickly stand within 30 minutes and can run alongside their mothers within hours.
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Life Expectancy
In the wild, giraffes typically live around 25 years, while in captivity, they can reach up to 40 years old.
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