Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis)

Giraffa Camelopardalis... or a giraffe!

What's worse than a giraffe with a sore throat? A giraffe with a stiff neck, of course! A sore throat...on a neck that can be 2 meters long. That must hurt! And it would probably make it hard to eat too, as giraffes use their necks to eat acacia leaves, their main food. Giraffes usually take in large quantities of water when it is available, too, so a stiff neck could really damage a giraffe. Giraffes need a lot of water because of the hot climate in Africa. It can get up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit were the giraffes live, and that is why they need allot of water.

 Giraffes usually gather around a food source, and mate there too. They are animals known for traveling in groups. Mostly the group will consist of young adults and babies. This is because they might not be able to fight for them selves if a lion or another enemy attacks, so adult giraffes stick around. It is about 400-460 days before the calf is born. Sometimes giraffe twins can occur, but it is rare. The mother gives birth standing up, and the newborn baby comes out about 6 feet tall. The female giraffe, once fully grown, can measure up to 14 feet in height, and can weigh up to 1800 pounds. The male giraffe is about the same height, and can weigh up to 2600 pounds. Both sexes have horns, though Male's horns tend to be bigger than females.

 Giraffes are considered "the queen of the beasts" by Arab prophets and poets because of their graceful and fragile form. Although the giraffe may look graceful and fragile, it can be deadly too. When attacked by it's natural enemy, the lion, giraffes defend themselves by using a powerful kick of their hind legs. Giraffes can be found in Central and Southern Africa.