ZOOTRITIONAnimals StudiedMagic's Biography

Magic the Reticulated Giraffe


Lake Park student photo

Magic at a glance....

Name:

Magic

Latin Name:

Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata

Sex:

Female

Weight (approx.):

1182 kg/2600 lb

Age:

15

 
 


Lake Park student photo

Giraffes at a Glance 

Genus name:

Giraffa

Native Habitat:

Hot, tree spotted plains of Africa

Avg. Weight:

Male: 772-1907 kg/1700-4200 lbs
Female: 545-1180 kg/1200-2600 lbs

Avg. Height:

Male: 5.2 m/17.0 ft
Female: 4.6 m/15.0 ft 

 

Additional Information about Reticulated Giraffes

Giraffes are the tallest of all animals. Like other mammals, the giraffe has only seven neck vertebrae, but in the case of the giraffe, they are greatly elongated to support its long neck. The giraffe also has an extraordinary vascular system because of the great distance between the heart and the brain. Giraffes are also noted for their chestnut brown blotches that blend in with the shadows of tree branches. As the male grows older, their color may become darker brown. The average life span of a giraffe is 26 years in the wild and up to 36 years in captivity.

Giraffes congregate in herds numbering from two to ten members, it is believed that they keep in contact with other giraffes in the nearby area. Keen eyesight coupled with their height allows for long-distance communication. These animals can reach speeds up to 35 mph as they gallop. They gain most of their food and moisture from leaves. Giraffes can go for more than a month without drinking. The reason they don't drink very much water is because it is very awkward for them to do so. That is also why giraffes do not eat grass.
 
 
 

Links to Giraffe Sites

http://www.maserith.com/safari/giraffe.html

 

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