Everyone loves giraffes! In fact, giraffes are often the most sought-after animal by visitors. While they certainly look unusual, towering over every other animal, they are actually interested in many ways. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most interesting facts about our long-neck friends to help you get ready for your next visit.
Social Animals
Giraffes are friendly animals by nature. Wild giraffes live in herds and spend their time traveling, eating, and resting together. Ironically, a group of giraffes is called a tower! Not only do they enjoy being surrounded by other giraffes, they often enjoy the humans as well. They will eat from your hand and may even enjoy the occasional head pet!
Giraffes are Vegetarian
Giraffes are huge animals, and they’re entirely powered by plants! These vegetarians eat all types of greenery, from leaves and twigs to berries and seeds. Their favorite type of leafy treats come from the mimosa and acacia trees, and they are known to eat up to 100 pounds of plants a day. Their long tongues help them pull down leaves growing up high. They can get all of their nutrients, and water, just from plants!
They don’t drink much
It’s surprising to hear that a giraffe can go a long time without drinking, and when they do drink they don’t need much, but it’s true! Their diet of plants is water-dense, which means they don’t have to venture to a watering hole as often as other animals. This helps them out in the long run since they don’t have to make themselves vulnerable in a watering hole. This is especially helpful since it’s hard for them to lower their heads to drink.
They are fast!
Giraffes are surprisingly fast animals. They have powerful muscles and long legs that take large strides. This allows them to reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour! While impressive, this speed isn’t sustainable, just long enough to help them get out of dangerous situations. But with their long gait, even a leisurely trot can seem pretty quick!
They love a sweet treat
Giraffes love mangoes!
Male giraffes & necking
Necking is when male giraffes engage in battles called necking, where they use their heads to see who is stronger.
Giraffe Babies
When you think of “babies” you think of something small and cute, but giraffe calf are born weighing around 150 pounds! They are also about 6 feet tall at birth. Their impressive size comes in handy because they fall about 5 feet at birth and can start walking just about an hour after birth. So while they aren’t small, they are still very cute!
Tallest mammal in the world
Giraffes can be between 16 – 20ft tall. Their legs are taller than most humans at an average of 6 feet.
Giraffe Packs
Giraffes form small groups of three to nine animals per pack. Male giraffes typically form one pack, sometimes with one female giraffe, usually the sister or mother giraffes.
As you can see, giraffes are not only beautiful, but they’re pretty unique as well! From their long lives and long necks to their natural speed, these gentle giants are endlessly fascinating. If you love giraffes and want to see one in person, visit us! We have a new giraffe barn that you’ll enjoy exploring, and you can get tickets to save yourself the wait!