There is something undeniably awe-inspiring about the largest animals in the world. Whether grazing in the savanna or navigating the tundra, tall animals capture our imagination with their sheer scale.
While the world's tallest animal might seem obvious to some, the list of nature’s skyscrapers is filled with fascinating contenders. Let’s explore the tallest animals that roam our planet and make us feel small by comparison.
1. Giraffe
Giraffes are the undisputed vertical champions of the animal kingdom. Standing between 14 and 19 feet tall, they are not only the tallest land animal, but the tallest animal in the world. A giraffe owes most of its incredible stature to its neck, which alone can be six feet long.
These tall animals have some unique characteristics, such as ossicones (horn-like bumps) and distinct coat patterns. Furthermore, giraffes communicate using frequencies too low for human ears to hear.
You can support these giants with a giraffe tracking bracelet. If you prefer something cuddlier, a giraffe tracking plush is a perfect way to bring awareness to the tallest animal in the world and help support their conservation.
2. African Bush Elephant
African bush elephants are the tallest animal at the shoulder. Male elephants can reach a shoulder height of 13 feet. This makes the elephant the second tallest animal in the world.
Unlike the slender frame of some other tall animals, elephants are built for power. As one of the tallest animals, they use their size to dominate the landscape, but they face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss. To help protect these majestic creatures, consider adding an elephant plush to your collection.
3. Polar Bear
When we think of tall animals, we often think of herbivores, but some carnivores are surprisingly tall when they choose to be. While they spend much of their time on all fours, when a polar bear stands up, it can reach a height of 10 feet.
This stance makes it the tallest predator. Their height allows them to survey the ice for seals and intimidate rivals. Following a polar bear’s Arctic journey with a polar bear tracking plush or polar bear tracking bracelet is a great way to appreciate the grandeur of the tallest animal in the Arctic and help support their conservation.
4. Ostrich
The list of tall animals isn't limited to mammals. At 10 feet, the ostrich is the tallest bird. This makes them the tallest animal in the world that walks on two legs.
Their height allows them to spot predators from great distances. As one of the tallest animals, the ostrich proves that you don't need to be a mammal to look down on the rest of the animal kingdom.
5. Brown Bear
Much like their polar cousins, brown bears (including grizzlies) are deceptively tall animals. On all fours, they stand about five feet at the shoulder, which is already large. Once they rear up on their hind legs, they transform into one of the tallest animals in North America, reaching up to nine feet.
Their great height is used for communication, intimidation, and better viewing angles. Being such a tall animal allows them to dominate food sources, though they still face threats from habitat destruction.
6. Alaskan Moose
In the deer family, the Alaskan moose reigns supreme. Males reach 7.5 feet at the shoulder, and that is before you add the neck, head, and massive antlers. This makes them a legitimate contender on any list of tall animals.
Moose are vegetarians that can consume up to 70 pounds of food per day. Their immense height makes grazing on short grasses difficult, so they prefer taller bushes or even aquatic plants.
7. American Bison
Rounding out our list of the tallest animals is the American bison. Males of this shaggy-haired species stand around six feet at the shoulder.
Today, the tallest mammal on the prairie is a conservation success story, rebounding from near-extinction. Bison may not be the tallest animal in the world, but their shoulder height and mass make them a truly imposing animal.
Protecting The World’s Tall Animals
At Fahlo, we partner with non-profit organizations to create bracelets and plushes that come with a real animal to track. We are proud to have donated millions of dollars to help protect wildlife both big and small. Our goal is to educate customers about wildlife and excite them about conservation one tracking experience at a time.
As we look up in wonder at the tallest animals on Earth, we are reminded of our responsibility to keep them safe. From the savanna to the ice caps, these giants need our help to stand tall for generations to come.
Tallest Animal in The World FAQs
What is the tallest animal in the world?
The giraffe is the tallest animal in the world. Adult males can grow to 19 feet tall, with legs that are often taller than most humans.
Which animal is taller than a giraffe?
On land, no animal is taller than a giraffe. However, in the ocean, whales and some jellyfish can grow longer than a giraffe is tall. In terms of standing land animals, though, the giraffe has no equal.
What is the second tallest animal in the world?
The African bush elephant is the second tallest land animal, with a shoulder height reaching up to 13 feet.