Quick Facts
- Type
- Mammal
- Size
- 4.3–5.7 m tall
- Weight
- 800–1,200 kg
- Habitat
- Savannas and open woodlands of Africa
- Diet
- Leaves, twigs, and fruit, especially acacia
- Active Time
- Active by day (diurnal)
- Lifespan
- 20–25 years in the wild
Field Notes
- A giraffe's neck holds just seven bones, the same number as in a human neck.
- Its dark, prehensile tongue can be over 45 cm long for stripping leaves.
- Giraffes only need to sleep a few minutes to a couple of hours a day.
About the Giraffe
The giraffe is the tallest living animal, native to the savannas and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Its towering neck, though dramatically long, contains the same seven vertebrae as most mammals. Giraffes browse high in acacia trees, using a long, prehensile tongue to strip leaves past the thorns. Their patchwork coats vary between populations and help with camouflage and temperature control. A special blood-pressure system keeps them from fainting when they raise or lower their heads, and males 'neck', swinging their heads, to compete for mates.
Keep exploring
Related animals
Red Fox
Capybara
Malayan Tapir
African Bush Elephant
Bengal Tiger
Giant Panda
Sunda Pangolin
Narwhal
Sea Otter
Red Panda
European Hedgehog
Black Flying Fox
Or spin for another random animal on the explorer, or browse all species in the full directory.