Giraffe

(Giraffa camelopardalis)
giraffe-hwange

Status: Low risk.

Range: In pockets of Africa, south of the Sahara Desert.

Habitat: Savanna.

Food: Leaves, fresh shoots, flower pods, and fruits.

Reproduction: Maturity is reached at 3-5 years. The female usually gives birth to one calf that is 6 feet (2 m) tall and weighs 100-150 lbs (45-68 kg). Gestation period is 15 months.

Facts: The giraffe is the tallest land mammal on earth. Males can grow over 18 feet (5 m) tall from hoof to horn and weigh over 3500 lbs (1,588 kg). Giraffes spend most of their day browsing, employing their 18-inch (46 cm) prehensile (gripping) tongue to help pick the choicest leaves, twigs, and fruit from trees.