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Scientific Name: |
Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata
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Range: |
These giraffes live in Northeast Africa (Somalia and Northern Kenya).
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Habitat: |
Arid and dry savanna-grassland zones south of the Sahara, where leafy trees are available.
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Natural Diet: |
Herbivorous, giraffes eat broad-leafed foliage, twigs and acacia bark.
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Zoo Diet: |
Alfalfa hay and a specially formulated pellet-grain food.
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Physical
Characteristics:
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These giraffes are the tallest of all mammals at 14 to 19 feet high. They weigh from 1700 to 2800 lbs. The long neck contains seven vertebrae. They have large brown spots outlined in white. On their head are two short horns and a knob on the forehead. The mane is stiff and short. Their unique tongue can be up to 20 inches long and is used for grasping leaves and other food from trees and plants.
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Behavior: |
Giraffes are able to move about by walking or galloping in open spaces. To drink, they must spread their front legs in a wide "V" while bending down to the water. They have excellent eyesight and hearing. Giraffes may live in herds of up to 40 animals. They defend themselves by kicking and can run at speeds up to 35 mph.
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Reproduction: |
Giraffes reproduce through live birth. They have a gestation period of 14 to 15 months and have one calf at a time, or occasionally twins. The mother give birth while standing in tall grass which cushions the baby's fall.
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Notes:
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Though much longer than ours, the giraffe's neck contains the same number of vertebrae, seven.
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