The scientific name for giraffe is giraffa camelopardalis. Long ago, the Romans thought giraffes were as big as camels but with leopard spots -- camelopardalis. next
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The scientific name for giraffe is giraffa camelopardalis. Long ago, the Romans thought giraffes were as big as camels but with leopard spots -- camelopardalis. next |
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Male giraffes are usually taller than the females. This way when they reach for the leaves on the tall trees they do not compete with each other for the same height leaves. Giraffes are normally very gentle creatures. |
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Not all giraffes lay down. Sometimes it is very difficult for them to get back up again. They often sleep standing up. next |
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There are two kinds of giraffes: reticulated and blotched. A reticulated giraffe has spots with an even pattern.This is a reticulated giraffe. They live in northeastern Africa. next |
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This is a blotched giraffe. Blotched giraffes have irregular spots and are more yellow than the reticulated giraffes. These giraffes live in central and southern Africa. next |
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Giraffes have to spread their front legs wide apart to get a drink. Usually giraffes take turns getting drinks while the others watch for danger. Giraffes are like camels, they don't need water very often. When they do drink, they drink several gallons at a time. next |
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Female giraffes travel in groups. Male giraffes go on their own after mating. To protect themselves, giraffes use their hooves (feet) to kick preditors when they are in danger. next |
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Giraffes are up to 18 feet tall. That's as tall as 3 tall men standing on top of each other. Even though giraffes have very long necks, they only have 7 vertebrae (bones) in them. The giraffe cannot make any noise from its throat. They are silent animals. |
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Giraffes eat leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit. Their tongues can be up to 18 inches long. That's a foot and a half! They have horns on top of their heads. They also have excellent hearing. This one looks like its wearing knee pads. |
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These two male giraffes are fighting. They wrestle with their necks. They are fighting over which one will win the attention of the female. Probably no one will be hurt. This is just their way of pushing each other around. |
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Links to more information about giraffes. 
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