Giraffes and their uniqueness, Kenya
Mama Giraffe with Calf- Notice in one pic how baby gets nudged to move along. Interesting fact and something I never knew until my trip to Kenya. Giraffes walk by moving both right legs and then the left legs, unlike all other mammals. There are also several species of giraffes. We witnessed 3 during our visit to Kenya. Reticulated, Maasai and Rothschild Giraffes. I have attached a guide with the different patterns. Totally serene and majestic animals…DON'T MISS THE GIRAFFE WITH ALL THE OX PECKER BIRDS, LINED UP ON ITS NECK, HITCHING A RIDE
The giraffe is a tall African mammal known for its long neck, legs, and spotted coat. It belongs to the genus Giraffa and is the largest ruminant and tallest terrestrial animal. Initially believed to be one species with nine subspecies, recent research suggests there may be up to eight extant species of giraffe. There are also seven extinct species known from fossils.
Giraffes have distinct characteristics such as long necks, horn-like ossicones, and unique coat patterns. They are part of the Giraffidae family, along with the okapi. Giraffes can be found in a range that extends from Chad to South Africa and from Niger to Somalia. They inhabit savannahs and woodlands and primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers of acacia trees.
Predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs may prey on giraffes. They live in herds of related females and their offspring or bachelor herds of unrelated adult males. Social hierarchies are established through combat bouts called "necking," where males use their necks as weapons. Dominant males mate with females, who are responsible for raising the young.
The giraffe's unique appearance has fascinated ancient and modern cultures, often appearing in various forms of art and media. However, giraffes are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and have disappeared from many areas they once inhabited. They can still be found in national parks and reserves, with approximately 97,500 individuals estimated to be in the wild as of 2016. Zoos also house more than 1,600 giraffes.
