Giraffes are one of the most extraordinary animals on the planet, known for their towering height and graceful presence. Let’s take a closer look at some amazing things you might not know about them.
Giraffes Hum at Night
While giraffes are mostly silent during the day, recent research has revealed that they hum at night. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why, but they believe this harmonic humming may help giraffes communicate with each other in the dark. Perhaps it’s their way of letting the rest of the group know where they are as they settle in for the night!
Sleep? Hardly!
These tall beauties only sleep for a total of 5 to 30 minutes a day, and they do so in short intervals. Instead of long, restful slumbers, giraffes take quick naps, often while standing up.
Grazing All Day Long
As vegetarians, giraffes spend most of their time eating. They graze on leaves, buds, and other plant materials, with their favorite being the thorny acacia tree. To help with this, they have incredibly long tongues—up to 21 inches! These prehensile tongues are perfect for grasping and pulling leaves from high branches.
Born Standing Tall
Giraffes spend most of their lives on their feet, and that includes being born! When a female giraffe gives birth, she does so standing up, which means the newborn calf takes a 5-foot plunge to the ground. Talk about a dramatic entrance into the world!
Unique Spot Patterns
Like human fingerprints, no two giraffes have exactly the same coat pattern. Each giraffe has a unique set of spots that help them blend into their environment and may also play a role in thermoregulation.
The World’s Tallest Animals
Giraffes hold the title as the tallest animals in the world. Adult males can reach up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in height. Their long necks and legs allow them to reach food high up in trees that other animals simply can’t get to.
Social by Nature
Giraffes are highly social animals and typically live in groups called “towers.” A tower of giraffes can consist of around 15 members, including females, young males, and sometimes an adult male. These groups are often fluid, meaning that giraffes come and go, and there isn’t necessarily a single leader.
Giraffes are truly fascinating creatures, standing tall in more ways than one. From their unique humming at night to their towering height, they continue to captivate and inspire nature lovers around the world. With so many interesting traits, giraffes are certainly one of nature’s most extraordinary creatures.
Jackie Foster Art 