Giraffe
ABOUT
Appearance: Giraffes have seven vertebrae, the same number as humans, in their long necks. Each adult vertebrae is approximately 11 inches long. Giraffes are the tallest land mammal with males reaching heights of 18 feet tall and females 15 feet tall. Their bodies are covered in a net-like pattern.
Habitat: Giraffes live in arid zones and drier regions of northern and southern Savanna, wherever trees grow. They can also be found in semiarid plains, savannas and woodland areas.
Family Life: Known as social animals, giraffes live in herds of 12 to 15 to better protect the young from predators. Giraffes are ultimate browsers, browsing among tall Acacia trees. They avoid drinking for long periods of time and often stand when sleeping, because it is difficult to get up from a kneeling position.
Threats: Giraffes are hunted for their meat.
giraffe
Class: Mammalia (Mammals)
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Giraffidae
Genus: Giraffa
Status: Common
Lifespan:25 years in the wild; up to 28 years in managed care
Diet: Herbivore
FUN FACTS!
rising above
new heights
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The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.