Giraffes are the world's tallest mammals.
They belong to the family Giraffidae and the genus Giraffa.
Giraffes are native to Africa and are found in various savannas and open woodlands.
Their long necks can reach up to 18 feet in height.
Giraffes have distinctive spotted coats, and each individual's pattern is unique.
The pattern on a giraffe's coat acts as camouflage in the wild.
Male giraffes are called bulls, and females are called cows.
Giraffes have ossicones, which are horn-like structures on their heads.
Both male and female giraffes have ossicones, but males' are usually bald on top due to necking behavior.
Giraffes are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves from acacia trees.
Their long necks and prehensile tongues help them reach high branches for food.
Giraffes have a four-chambered stomach to aid in the digestion of tough plant material.
They are known for their graceful and slow movements, except when running.
Giraffes have a unique walking gait, moving both legs on one side of their body at the same time.
Their legs are also incredibly powerful and are used for defense.
Giraffes can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
During courtship, male giraffes engage in necking, a behavior where they swing their necks and heads at each other.
Female giraffes give birth standing up, and the calf drops about six feet to the ground.
Newborn giraffes can stand and walk within a few hours of birth.
Giraffes live in loose social groups called towers or herds.
They communicate through a variety of sounds, including moos, snorts, and hisses.
Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in a 24-hour period, often in short naps.
They have excellent eyesight and a wide field of view.
The giraffe's heart can weigh up to 25 pounds and pumps blood at a high pressure to reach the brain.
Giraffes are classified into multiple subspecies, including the Masai, Reticulated, and Rothschild's giraffes.
They are vulnerable to predators such as lions and hyenas, especially when drinking water.
Giraffes have a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years in the wild.
The conservation status of giraffes is of concern due to habitat loss and poaching.
Giraffes are known to engage in allogrooming, where they use their long necks to clean each other's bodies.
Giraffe populations have declined in the wild, and conservation efforts are underway to protect them.
Giraffes have a complex pattern of spots, and their coat color darkens with age.
Their tongues can be up to 18 inches long and are prehensile, allowing them to grasp and pull leaves.
Giraffes are unique among ungulates, and their closest living relative is the okapi.