The Giraffe
Pembury’s Favourite Fascinating Facts
The giraffe, sometimes graceful, sometimes ridiculous, is one of Africa’s most beloved animals. They are found throughout sub-Saharan African countries such as Botswana and South Africa. They are the world’s tallest mammals, their legs alone are about 6 feet. The males stand at an average of 16.5 feet and they live on average between 20 and 30 years. Long necks aside, there is a lot more to these animals. Here are Pembury’s favourite giraffe facts:
1. They’re endangered
Giraffes are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List status. This means they’re at high risk of extinction in the wild.
2. They give birth standing up
Female giraffes give birth standing up, so babies fall more than 5 feet (1.5m) to the ground at birth. Not the gentlest welcoming into the world!
3. They don’t need to drink water every day
Giraffes get most of their water from the plants they eat. Their plant of choice is the acacia tree.
4. Babies can run 10 hours after birth
Their rough birth toughens them up! Baby giraffes can stand within 30 minutes of birth and run within 10 hours.
5. There are 8 subspecies of giraffe
It was previously believed that there were only one species of giraffe, but there are 8 subspecies.
6. They’re fast runners
Typically slow walkers, giraffes can run up to 30 miles (50km) per hour if they sense danger.
7. No two giraffes have the same spots
Like people’s unique fingerprints, giraffes also have unique spotting on their coats.
8. They only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep
Giraffes are the experts in power naps! They often take quick 1 or 2-minute naps to achieve their 5 to 30 minutes of sleep.
9. They’re social animals
Giraffes roam in groups of about 15 giraffes. These groups are called ‘towers’.
10. They only have 7 vertebrae
Despite their long necks, giraffes only have 7 vertebrae. This is the exact number of bones humans have in our necks!
