Giraffes' long, flexible tongues and muscular upper lips are used to rip leaves from the branches of acacia and mimosa trees. Giraffes don't migrate during the dry season but get their food and most of their moisture from leaves. Giraffes can go for over a month without drinking and do so often, perhaps because of the vulnerable position they must assume in order to drink. This also may be the reason giraffes do not graze on grass.

Because of their infrequent use of water, they can range widely and are sometimes found on dry hard land hundreds of miles from water.

When startled, a giraffe can gallop at speeds up to 30 mph. The hind feet of a galloping giraffe reach in front of the fore feet, and the animals swing their necks from side to side, producing a slow-motion appearance.

To avoid predators (chiefly lions), giraffes sleep standing up. They protect themselves by kicking.

Size: 28" long, 12"wide, 18.5" high
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Africa

Class:Mammalia Order:Artiodactyla Family:Giraffidae