The Great Giraffe By: Kenzie and Grace

Giraffes What type of animal are they? They are mammals Species: Giraffa What do they eat? They eat fruit, leaves, and seeds. Their main food source is the Acacia Tree They eat at dusk and dawn (when it’s cool outside) They eat 75-100 lbs. of food a day

Giraffes Appearance: Weight: The average giraffe weighs 3,500 lbs. Height: The average giraffe is16-20 ft. tall. Eyes: Their eyes are large, bulky, and on both sides of the head. They can see in color. Neck: 6’7” Skin Type: Short Hair Colors: Brown, Red, Black, White, and Tan.

Giraffes Litter Size: 1calf. Pregnancy: Their average pregnancy is 457 days. Birth weight: Their average birth weight is 104-220 lbs. Baby Giraffes start walking within 1 hour. Adult Male: Bull Adult Female: Cow Baby: Calf Male and female giraffes live about the same amount of time, 20-25 years.

Giraffes How they drink: They spread their two fore-legs, and bend down, so they can drink the water. How they sleep: They sleep in midday (when it’s warm) either standing or laying. What sounds do they make? Whistle/flute-like noise How do they communicate? They grunt and moan to warn other neighboring giraffes of danger.

Giraffes Are They Hunted By Humans: Yes. Why: Giraffes are hunted for their meat. Are They Endangered? Yes The West African Giraffe and The Nigerian Giraffe Why: They are hunted and have habitat loss.

Giraffes What are they known for? Giraffes are known for their long neck, long legs, and unique pattern. Both male and female giraffes have horns.

How do they defend themselves? Giraffes kick out their two front legs then swing their long neck around to hit the predator. Giraffes Reaction toward human interaction: Giraffes tend to be very calm towards humans. They don’t seem to be bothered by humans being around. The mothers stay within 30 meters from their young in case a predator is near.

Giraffes What is their habitat? Giraffes live in woodlands or savannahs. Jobs of family members: Male: Roams the night looking for food. Female: Protects their young. Giraffes live in herds.

Giraffes Do Giraffes Carry Diseases? Yes. They Carry: Rinderpest – An infectious, viral, disease Flukes Tapeworms Whipworms Warble Fly Larvae – (Maggots)

Giraffes Close relative: The giraffe’s close relative is the okapi. The thing that the giraffe and okapi have in common is their long tongue. The giraffe’s long, black tongue can grow up to 18 inches.

Giraffe How do they walk? Giraffes walk with their two legs on the left at the same time and then they move their two right legs at the same time and so on. They can gallop 30 – 34 mph. How long do they live? In Captivity: Up to 28 years In the Wild: 20 – 25 years

Fun Facts! There are 9 different species of giraffe. The giraffe has the same amount of bones in their neck as a human does. (7) There are 9 different species of giraffe. Giraffes have great hearing.

Bibliography Arnold, Caroline. Giraffes. New York City: Mulberry Paperback, 1987. Hare, Tony. Animal Fact File. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Books, 1999. “Giraffe”. African Fauna. 1/22/13. www.africanfauna.com/giraffe “Giraffe”. A-Z-Animals. 1/22/13. <www.a-z-animals.com/animals/giraffes> “Giraffe”. The Biggest Animals Kingdom. 1/28/13 <www.king-animal.blogspot.com> The End! 