The Giraffe

Giraffes are the tallest of all the land animals. Their legs alone are

about 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall. They live in the savannas of Africa

and are well known for their long necks, long legs, and spotted

patterns. They usually live in groups of 2 to 6 giraffes.

No two giraffes have the same pattern. Their markings allow them

to hide among trees. Although their neck is 1.5– 1.8 meters long

(4.9- 6 feet), it contains the same number of vertebrae as a

human neck.

They only need 5- 30 minutes of sleep per day. They often

achieve this by taking quick naps that may last only a minute or

two at a time. They rarely lay down. They sleep and give birth to

their young standing up. They eat approximately 35 kg (77

pounds) of food per day and can go up to two weeks without

water.

Their black tongue can extend almost 45cm (17 inches) and is

frequently used for cleaning its nose. They have the largest eyes

of any land mammal.