Today is WORLD GIRAFFE DAY — a celebration of the world’s tallest animal on the longest day of the year.
What better way to this special day than by looking at all the ways these giraffes are unique. Here are some of our favorite facts about giraffes:
- There are four distinct subspecies of giraffes: Reticulated, Masai, Northern, and Southern. Only until recently did we learn about the fourth subspecies. Genetically, these subspecies are as distinct from each other as are polar bears and brown bears.
- Giraffes are true giants — with legs taller than humans (allowing them to run up to 35 mph), feet as large as dinner plates, tongues reaching 50 cm (20 in) in length, and hearts weighing up to 11 kg (25 lbs).
- Humans and giraffes have the same number of vertebrae in their necks — seven. Unlike humans, giraffe necks have ball-and-sock connections, allowing their noses to touch their lower backs. Scientists still don’t know why giraffes have such long necks, but evolutionary theories suggest giraffes developed their height not just for reach of food, but also for fighting.
- Despite having the longest neck in the world, it is too short to reach the ground, which is why they have to squat in an awkward position to drink, which makes them vulnerable to predators. Luckily, giraffes only need to drink once every few days, getting much of their water from vegetation.
- A giraffe’s spot pattern is unique, akin to that of a human fingerprint, and inherited by baby giraffes from their moms. Little is known about the advantages of these spots, but some studies suggest a giraffe’s pattern may aid in camouflage and body temperature regulation.
- Giraffes have many specialized adaptations to combat gravity, some that have even been studied by NASA! The tight skin on their legs is similar to compression socks, helping regulate blood pressure. And their hearts are multitaskers — with its thick-walled, left ventricle pumping blood to the head and body, and right ventricle pumping blood to the lungs.
- Females give birth standing up and usually do so in the same place they were born. Within an hour of its birth, a baby giraffes (calf) is able to start walking — and some are born as tall as humans!
- The closest relative to a giraffe is the Okapi, nicknamed the “forest giraffe.”
- Giraffes are highly complex social creatures, displaying friendships and partaking in day care.
Despite their otherworldly characteristics, giraffes face a harsh and urgent reality. While recent census data indicates their numbers may be on the rise, giraffe suffer from what some scientists call a “silent extinction” — their populations declining almost unnoticed.
It’s up to us to help giraffes. This World Giraffe Day, donate to save ENDANGERED giraffes from extinction.
