Basic Facts About Giraffes Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) are
the world's tallest mammals. They are well known for their long
necks, long legs, and spotted patterns. © Giraud
Patrick/Wikimedia Commons Their long necks help giraffes eat
leaves from tall trees, typically acacia trees. If they need to,
giraffes can go for several days without water. Instead of
drinking, giraffes stay hydrated by the moisture from leaves.
Giraffes are non-territorial, social animals. They travel in
large herds that are not organized in any way. Herds may consist
of any combination of sexes or ages. Giraffes have small "horns"
or knobs on top of their heads that grow to be about five inches
long. These knobs are used to protect the head in fights. Female
giraffes typically give birth to one calf after a fifteen-month
gestation period. During the first week of its life, the mother
carefully guards her calf. Young giraffes are very vulnerable
and cannot defend themselves. While mothers feed, the young are
kept in small nursery gr