If you're looking for an animal that's sure to put a smile on your face, look no further than the giraffe! These gentle giants are not only fascinating creatures, but they're also really fun animals, what are some fun facts about giraffes? Look no further, here are just a few things to know if you’re wondering what's special about giraffes.
1. Giraffes are the tallest animals in the world
Giraffes are fun and majestic animals that are famous for being the tallest in the world! How tall is a giraffe? Male giraffes typically grow to an impressive 18 feet tall and their long necks can account for up to half their full height. There are many interesting facts about giraffes such as they can lick their own eyes, sleep standing up, and have tongues that reach up to 20 inches in length.Â
Of course, there are many other interesting giraffe fun facts, like their beautiful spots that each look different in shape, size, and color! It’s always fun learning about this iconic animal so make sure you get out there and explore all the fun facts and information there is to know about giraffes.
2. They have long necks and tongues that help them reach leaves high up in trees
There are some wild giraffe facts about their long, elegant necks and prehensile tongues which give them the ability to reach and snatch leaves high up in trees. How long is a giraffe's neck? Giraffes have long necks that can reach up to 6 feet in length.Â
Additionally, their tongues allow them to reach leaves high up in trees and other vegetation like grasses and legumes. Their bodies are built in such a way that they can easily stretch out their neck and push it through the tree canopy! Did you know that their unique long-neck built-in straw helps them drink 2-4 gallons of water per day?Â
3. Giraffes are very social animals and live in herds of up to 50 individuals
Giraffes are one of the most unique and amazing animals out there! Not only are they incredibly social creatures, living in large herds up to 50 animals strong, but what's even more special about them is their lanky stature with those incredibly long necks that help them forage high in the trees for leaves.Â
But what about those magnificent spotting patterns plastered on their fur? That's what helps make each giraffe stand out from the rest and recognize one another. When you think of giraffes now, you'll get that fun vision of a herd of tall beauties walking across the vast plains - what a sight!
4. They are herbivores and eat mostly leaves, but also consume fruit and flowers
All giraffe species spend their days leisurely eating leaves, fruit, and flowers from trees in savannahs and open woodlands across Africa. Their tongues—which are as long as 20 inches, by the way—are what they use to pluck foliage off branches, allowing them to access food other animals cannot reach.Â
What do giraffes eat? Their diet is highly varied and includes over 100 different plant species! Not only do they enjoy meals like acacia leaves and buds, but also the occasional apple or sweet melon to give them a delicious sugary treat. So if you were ever wondering what giraffes eat – now you know!
5. Giraffes are native to Africa and can be found in savannas, woodlands, and forests
What’s an ideal giraffe habitat? Giraffes are native to Africa and can be found in the savannas, woodlands, and forests of the continent. Are giraffes endangered? You might ask, and unfortunately, these gentle giants are also known as one of the world’s most endangered animals, however, due to recent protective measures their numbers have been increasing again over the last few years.Â
6. Giraffes can run!Â
Did you ever wonder how fast can a giraffe run? These lanky giants can run at a speed of 35mph and sleep just 5-30 minutes per day.Â
7. They have an ample lifespanÂ
How long do giraffes live? In the wild, a giraffe’s lifespan typically extends up to around 25 years. That's quite a long run for such an enormous and peculiar-looking animal.
Giraffes are sure to steal your heart and make you marvel at their magnificence
Did you enjoy these facts about giraffes? Help us do more to help conserve this wild species. The good news is that you can help too! - Help their conservation and secure a future for giraffes. To keep learning, and to help the conservation and recovery of giraffes, get our newest Trek giraffe-tracking bracelet. Each bracelet comes with a different giraffe to track so you can gain knowledge of their amazing stories, age, and family they belong to.
Plus, a portion of all proceeds is donated to the Somali Giraffe Project, which focuses on the conservation and recovery of this majestic animal through research, education, and community involvement!