Giraffes, the tallest of the land animals, live in the savannas of Africa. They are well known for their long necks, long legs and spotted patterns.
Giraffes usually live in family troops of 2 to 6. While mothers feed, calves are kept in small nursery groups.
No two giraffes have the same pattern. They use their markings to hide themselves among trees.
Giraffes sleep only about a half an hour per day. They rarely lay down. They sleep and give birth standing up.
Giraffes are quite agile and can run very fast. They can moo, hiss, roar and whistle.
Giraffes can go for up two weeks without water. Their long necks help them eat leaves from acacia trees.
Giraffes have the largest eyes of any land mammal. A giraffe's tongue can extend almost 45 cm.
Time for a Rhyme
A giraffe came
By the willow tree,
Stopped to gaze
And talk to me.
For he was
Very lean and tall
A pillar, a column,
A walking wall.
