FACTS ON GIRAFFE
- · Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth. Their legs alone are taller than many humans—about 6 feet.
- · They can run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances, or cruise at 10 mph over longer distances.
- · A giraffe's neck is too short to reach the ground. As a result, it has to awkwardly spread its front legs or kneel to reach the ground for a drink of water.
- · Giraffes only need to drink once every few days. Most of their water comes from all the plants they eat.
- · A female giraffe gives birth standing up; their young fall more than 5 feet to the ground at birth.
- · Giraffes learn to stand just 30 minutes after birth and can run with their mothers just 10 hours after birth.
- · A giraffe's feet are the size of a dinner plate—approximately 12 inches across.
- · Females use their hooves as weapons to protect their young. They are strong enough to kill a lion.
- Both male and female giraffes have two distinct, hair-covered horns called OSSICONES.
- Giraffes are a ruminant, which means they have more than one stomach to help them digest their food. In fact, they have 4 stomachs!
