![]() ![]() You can read more about this theory in The Journal of Theology Biology. They would look strange, with their heavy front legs tipping them forward, and their head cranked backward to keep them from downing. A study in 2010 used a complex digital model to prove that theoretically they can swim in water deeper than 2.8 metres. Giraffe were thought to be the only mammal in the world that could not swim, as their long, spindly legs would not provide them with enough purchase to support their neck whilst their short body reduced buoyancy. It had been thought that giraffe are very quiet mammals, not making noises, but research now suggests that they hum at night, occasionally snorting and grunting as well. Typically these comprise of females with their young, and smaller loosely associated ‘towers’ of males. Giraffe are very social, roaming around in groups called ‘Towers’. Researchers can identify and study individuals by their coat patterns. Their markings help with camouflage and regulate their body temperature as the coloured skin patches help to dissipate heat around their body. Just like our fingerprints, no two giraffe have the same coat pattern. Maasi Giraffe, South Luangwa National Park Each giraffe has a unique coat Giraffe are one of nature’s pollinators – as they wander around feeding from the tops of the trees their muzzles inadvertently transfer pollen from the flowers of one tree to another. They are also known to eat bones – chewing on carcasses to obtain calcium and phosphorous to help strengthen their own bones. They use their long bluish to purple coloured tongue (which is up to 50 cm long) to rip fresh leaves from between the spikes of the acacia tree. Giraffe are herbivores, eating up to 45 kg of leaves and twigs a day. Even so, their neck is too short to reach the ground to drink, so they have to awkwardly shuffle and spread out their front legs to reach water. Despite having such long necks, they only have seven vertebrae – the same number as humans. Their height helps them to feed high up in the tree canopies and to keep a look out for predators. The tallest giraffe ever recorded was 5.9 metres. ![]() Giraffe are the world’s tallest living animal, standing at around 4 – 5 metres in height. To help celebrate these gentle giants, we thought we would share some of our favourite facts about giraffe How tall are giraffe? Posted on 1 July 2020 by CC Zambia in Virtual Safari, Wildlife ![]()
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