Giraffe

The giraffe is a tall, spotted ungulate that is as unique as it is perplexing. Despite its long-necked charm, the giraffe is often confused for a horse on stilts or a poorly crafted sculpture.

Appearance

With its long, graceful neck reaching up to 18 feet (5.5 meters), it’s no wonder the giraffe is a quintessential symbol of gracefulness. However, add in its strange markings and lanky legs, and it becomes more like a Picasso painting at a petting zoo. The giraffe’s tongue can reach around 18 inches (46 cm) long, which might explain why it always looks like it’s trying to lick its own ear.

Behavior

Giraffes are known for their calm and gentle demeanor, making them the perfect candidate for a therapist animal or a high school guidance counselor. They do have a tendency to replace Netflix with nibbling on Acacia trees, which can lead to some pretty weird watching habits.

Diet

Giraffes are herbivores and enjoy munching on all sorts of vegetation. Their favorite snack is the Acacia tree, but they’ve been known to dabble in instant ramen when they’re feeling particularly rebellious.

Habitat

Giraffes are native to the savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of Africa, where they roam in small groups. They have historically been known to view humans as curious creatures to be studied, leading some to claim that they are smarter than your average bear.

Fun Facts

The giraffe’s scientific name, Giraffa camelopardalis, comes from its resemblance to both a camel and a leopard. Although, to be honest, it looks more like someone glued a bunch of spots onto a horse and stretched its neck out.
The giraffe doesn’t drink water in the traditional sense, instead getting most of its hydration from its food.
Giraffes have two heart chambers that can weigh up to 25 pounds each, making them the largest heart of any land mammal. Imagine how many valentines they could write with all that extra love!
Contrary to popular belief, giraffes do not have vocal cords and communicate primarily through body language, postures, and sounds. They probably have some sort of social media account to vent their frustrations with us human folk, though.
Despite their gangly appearance, giraffes can run up to 35 mph (56 kph), which unfortunately only reinforces their adolescent thoroughbred-on-stilts stereotype.