In Photos: Giraffes

With hearts that weigh almost two stone, communicating on an ultrasound level and necks that grow to six feet giraffes are one of the most unique species on Earth. We had to get out our wide angle lens to fit the worlds tallest land animal in some of these photos!

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Tongue

Giraffes have black-pigmented extra-long tongues. With a thick covering they are perfect for stripping thorny acacias of their leaves.
Running Giraffes

A blur of giraffes streak across the lens. Even with some of the longest legs in the animal kingdom, giraffes can still pick up quite a pace.
Giraffe Spots

The giraffe's coat is covered in a mosaic of spots which is specific to each sub-species of giraffe. This is a reticulated giraffe's pattern and is unique to the individual, much like a human fingerprint.
The Giraffe's Head

Giraffes have large, thick lips and a long, black tongue for stripping thorny acacia trees of leaves. They also have small horns on top of the head which are soft and flexible at birth.
The Long Neck

A long neck helps giraffes to reach succulent leaves from the top and middle of trees. Thorny acacias are more heavily protected underneath and round the edge, so it pays to get past the spikes!
Height Advantage

Height is always an advantage for prey species. It is very hard to sneak up on a giraffe!
A Thick Neck

Although a long neck helps to look for danger and reach succulent leaves on trees it is also a trait for sexual selection. Dominant males have thicker necks and will compete with each other in "necking", much like deer will rut.