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The Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

The scientific name camelopardalis comes from the Greek, meaning a 'camel marked as a leopard'. Giraffa is an Arabic word that translates as 'one who walks swiftly'.

Found throughout the grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa, Giraffes feed on a variety of plants, including leaves and shoots. A lot of food is needed to keep one of these hungry beasts going throughout the day so it is extremely handy having a great long neck that can reach parts of the tree that other animals can only dream of eating. Most mornings and afternoons are spend grazing and keeping hunger levels to a minimum.

The average sized colony for a giraffe is usually about 10-15 animals, although larger groups have also been sighted in the past. It is very common for one adult to care for two or three calves at a time whilst the rest of the herd feed. This is for protection more than anything else as the young are easy prey for crocodiles, lions, tigers and cheetahs to name but a few. This immediate danger encourages infants to be on their feet within an hour of birth and running within two.

The giraffe is a peaceful animal but still a force to be reckoned with; they can deliver a powerful blow with their front two legs and in spite of their size can accelerate to speeds of up to 50 mph at full gallop.

Giraffes at Chester Zoo

Average height of adult male: 5.2m

Average height of adult female: 4.0m

Number of calves: Normally One.

Pregnancy: About 14-15 months

Life span: 20-25 years (in the wild)

There are 6 Giraffes at Chester Zoo, Sumara is the oldest at 17 years, and the youngest was born on 13th November 2006

Amazing Animal Fact

Even with a neck as long as a giraffe, there are still no more than the standard seven vertebrae found in most other animals.