Standing at over 5 metres the elegant giraffe is the world’s tallest animal and largest ruminant. Their long neck, sloping body and long necks make them unmistakable.

They live in the savannah grasslands south of the Sahara. Using their 18 inch prehensile tongue they feed from the Acacia, Combretum and other trees at a height denied to other herbivores (except elephants). Like camels, they are able to go long periods of time without a drink and usually drink every 2-3 days. To get a drink they have to splay their forelegs to reach the water.

Unlike most mammals giraffes walk using both legs from the same side of the body simultaneously. When they gallop they move both fore legs and both hind legs together, and because of its long stride is faster than it appears, reaching up to speeds of 35 miles per hour.

Although usually quiet, giraffes are not voiceless as the common myth leads us to believe, but instead can produce snorting or moaning noises, particularly when there is danger. They have a good sense of smell, hearing and excellent vision enabling them to see miles away.