5 Fascinating Facts About the Giraffe
The giraffe, with its towering height, long neck, and distinctive spots, is one of the most iconic and beloved animals in Africa. These gentle giants are not just a sight to behold, but they also possess some unique characteristics that make them truly fascinating. Here are five intriguing facts about giraffes that you might not know. 
1. Giraffes Have the Longest Necks of Any Animal
A giraffe’s neck can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, making it the longest neck of any land animal. Despite their impressive neck length, giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans—just seven. The difference lies in the size and structure of the vertebrae, which are much larger and elongated in giraffes.
2. Their Legs Are Almost As Long As Their Neck
Giraffes are incredibly tall, with adult males growing up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall, while females can reach about 14 feet (4.3 meters). Their legs, which are also quite long, are roughly the same length as their necks, around 6 feet. This combination of long necks and legs gives giraffes their signature towering height and allows them to reach high branches and feed on leaves that other herbivores can’t access.
3. Giraffes Have a Unique Walk
Giraffes move in a distinctive manner called “pacing gait.” When walking, they move both legs on one side of their body at the same time, followed by the other side. This gives them a smooth, swaying motion. When running, giraffes can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) in short bursts, though they prefer to trot at slower speeds to conserve energy.
4. Their Tongues Are Remarkably Adapted
Giraffes have long, prehensile tongues that can measure up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length. Their tongues are dark purple or blue, which helps protect them from sunburn as they spend much of their time feeding on leaves in the hot sun. They use their tongues to grasp and strip leaves from branches, especially from thorny trees like acacias, which they are able to eat despite the thorns thanks to their tough lips and strong tongues.
5. Giraffes Have a Complex Social Structure
Giraffes are social animals, but unlike many other species, they don’t form permanent groups. Instead, they gather in loose, fluid herds based on age, sex, and social interactions. Adult females tend to form smaller, more stable groups, while males roam in bachelor groups or alone. Male giraffes often engage in necking battles, where they swing their necks like hammers to strike their opponents in an effort to establish dominance and secure mating rights.
