Giraffes are one of the most recognisable animals in the world. Not only are they the tallest land mammal, but they also have unique features, behaviours, and adaptations that make them truly fascinating creatures. From their long necks to their impressive running speed, there’s so much to learn about giraffes. Here are top 10 facts about giraffes that you may not know. Get ready to explore the world of these gentle giants!
1. Giraffes are the tallest mammal in the world.
They can grow up to 5.5 metres!
Even new-born giraffes are taller than most humans.
2. Giraffes can stand half an hour after being born.
Yep! Once it’s been born, it only takes a giraffe about half an hour until it can stand up.
It can also run after just 10 hours!
3. Giraffes stand up pretty much all the time.
They even sleep and give birth standing up!
4. Giraffes don’t need much sleep.
They have one of the shortest sleep requirements of any mammal. Giraffes don’t need much sleep, only between 10 minutes and 2 hours!
5. Young giraffes hang out in groups until they are 5 months old.
When they hang out they play and rest while mum goes out looking for food.
6. Giraffes are super peaceful animals.
Giraffes very rarely fight and are very peaceful animals.
Males sometimes hit their necks against each other but this only occasionally leads to injury.
7. Giraffes are all unique!
Just like snowflakes and human fingerprints, no two giraffes have the same spots!
8. Giraffe’s tongues are massive!
The tongue a giraffe has is HUGE!
They can be up to 45cm long so that they can forage on trees other animals can’t reach!
9. In the wild they usually live up to around 25 years.
Giraffes in the wild usually live up to about 25 years.
10. The Latin for giraffe is ‘Giraffa camelopardalis’ which means βone who walks quickly, a camel marked like a leopardβ.
It means βone who walks quickly, a camel marked like a leopardβ.
π Words to know
- Mammal
- An animal with hair or fur whose babies drink their motherβs milk.
- Herbivore
- An animal that only eats plants.
- Adaptation
- A feature that helps a living thing survive where it lives, like a giraffeβs long neck.
- Savannah
- Wide, grassy land with a few trees, like the plains of Africa.
β οΈ Watch out!
How much do you know about giraffes?
How many bones are in a giraffeβs neck?
- Seven
- Twenty
- Fifty
- One
How soon after being born can a baby giraffe stand up?
- About half an hour
- About a week
- About a month
- About a year
What do giraffes eat?
- Leaves
- Meat
- Fish
- Insects
Which group?
Giraffes are mammals, and the tallest animals in the world.
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