Giraffes are best known for their very long necks and the striking coat pattern of irregular brown patches on a lighter background. Each giraffe has a pattern of blotches that is unique to that individual, like a human fingerprint. The pattern may help hide them from predators, particularly when they are young, since the pattern tends to break up their outline when they are among trees. Giraffes are one of the largest land animals, reaching heights of up to 17 feet! Males generally weigh roughly 2,000 pounds while females typically weigh about 1,250 pounds, but there is wide variation. Their long necks have seven vertebrae, the same as humans do, and this amazing adaptation allows the giraffe to reach food in tall trees that is not accessable to other browsers. Both sexes have two short, blunt, skin-covered horns atop their heads, although some giraffes can have several more. Males in particular develop additional bumps on the skull as they get older.

Range and Habitat
Wild giraffes live in sub-Saharan Africa, on savannahs and in open woodlands.

Diet
In the wild, giraffes find most of their food among the tops of trees, eating mostly leaves and shoots from many species, particularly Acacia and Combretum trees, as well as flowers, vines and herbs. A giraffe uses its tongue, which may reach 18" in length and is very strong, to strip leaves from tree branches.

Here at the Zoo, giraffes are given specially-formulated pellets and alfalfa hay, as well as branches from honey locust and broad-leafed acacia trees. Keepers also give the giraffes apples and carrots as special treats.

Longevity
A few giraffes live into their early 30's, at least in zoos. But just as with humans, dogs, cats, or any other animal, how long an individual giraffe lives varies widely, and most individuals don?t reach the maximum age. More typically, a giraffe might live into its late teens or early 20?s. Female giraffes seem to tend to live longer than males.

Reproduction
Gestation is about 14 months. Female giraffes generally give birth to a single calf, and since the mother gives birth standing up, and the baby starts life by falling six feet to the ground! Almost immediately after birth, the calf will begin to stand on its own legs and it is typically up an walking in about an hour. Giraffe calves are very vulnerable to predators, so the females often leave their young in groups called creches, which are watched over by a few adults.

Female giraffes are typically reproductively mature by about the age of three and a half, while males may mature a little later. Giraffes generally do not reach full height until two or three years later.

Behavior
Giraffes feed more frequently during the morning and late afternoon hours and usually rest during the remainder of the day. Female giraffe are rarely alone, and are usually found in loose herds of other females where the members come and go freely. Males on the other hand, are more solitary and move between the groups of females.

Although they make various sounds, giraffes rarely make noises other than a soft grunt. Giraffes can run at speeds of up to 35 miles an hour, although their long stride makes them appear to run in slow motion. When it defends itself, a giraffe will kick with its powerful hooves and use its head and head to place a well-aimed blow to its opponent.