Masai Giraffe

Overview

The Masai Giraffe is the tallest animal on Earth and an iconic species of Tanzania's landscapes. Their incredible height allows them to feed on acacia leaves that other herbivores cannot reach. Tanzania hosts the largest population of Masai giraffes in the world.

Behavior

Giraffes live in loose herds of 10-20 individuals. They spend most of their day feeding, requiring only 2-3 hours of sleep. Their long necks contain the same number of vertebrae as humans - just seven, but much larger.

Reproduction

Females give birth after a 15-month gestation period. Calves drop 6 feet to the ground at birth and can stand within an hour.

Conservation Status

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching for meat and body parts threaten giraffe populations across Africa.

Fun Facts

• A giraffe's tongue can be up to 45 cm long
• They only need to drink water once a week
• Their hearts weigh up to 11 kg to pump blood to their brains
• No two giraffes have the same pattern of spots