giraffe

The giraffe is a genus of African even-toed ungulate mammals, the tallest living terrestrial animals, and the largest ruminants. The genus currently consists of one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, the type species. Scientific name: Giraffa. Higher classification: Giraffidae. Gestation period: 13 – 15 months. Habitats: Savanna, Grassland, Woodland Height: Male: 16 – 20 ft. (Adult), Female: 15 ft. (Adult) Its neck consists of 7 bones, just like the human neck. The neck and legs measure about 6 feet (1.8 meters). The neck alone can weigh 600 pounds. The giraffe weighing altogether 2,600 for males and 1,800 for females. They can run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances, or cruise at 10 mph over longer distances. A giraffe's neck is too short to reach the ground. As a result, it has to awkwardly spread its front legs or kneel to reach the ground for a drink of water. Giraffes only need to drink once every few days. Most of their water comes from all the plants they eat. A giraffe’s spots are much like human fingerprints. No two individual giraffes have exactly the same pattern. Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in a 24-hour period! They often achieve that in quick naps that may last only a minute or two at a time. Male giraffes fight with their necks because it's the most powerful and maneuverable weapon they have. Bulls fight to establish dominance or to win the right to mate with the females (cows) (see giphy below)