Giraffes: Nature’s Tallest Marvels

Giraffes are known around the world for their extraordinary height. An adult male can reach up to 5.5 meters (18 feet), while females typically measure between 4.5 and 5 meters (15–16.5 feet). A large part of their height comes from their long neck, which alone can measure over 2 meters (6.5 feet).

Thanks to this unique feature, giraffes can feed on the highest leaves of trees—food that few other animals can reach. This evolutionary advantage is one reason giraffes have remained one of the most successful herbivores on the African continent.

10 Incredible Facts About Giraffes

1. Long neck, but only seven vertebrae

Even though their necks can be over two meters long, giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans—just seven. The difference is in the size of each vertebra.

2. Their tongue can reach up to 45 centimeters (18 inches)

A giraffe’s tongue is so long that it can wrap around branches to pull off leaves. It’s dark in color, which helps protect it from sun exposure.

3. Their heart weighs over 11 kilograms (24 pounds)

This powerful organ needs to be strong to pump blood all the way up to the brain, which sits high above the body.

4. They can run up to 60 km/h (37 mph)

Despite their size, giraffes can run surprisingly fast when they feel threatened.

5. They sleep only 10 to 30 minutes per night

Giraffes sleep very little and often do so standing up, helping them stay alert to predators.

6. Their spots are unique

Every giraffe has a one-of-a-kind spot pattern, much like human fingerprints.

7. They are ruminants

Like cows, giraffes chew their food, swallow it, regurgitate it, and chew it again to help with digestion.

8. They live in savannas and open woodlands

Giraffes are native to sub-Saharan Africa. While they don’t live naturally in the Americas, parks like Ponderosa Costa Rica offer the chance to see them up close—just like the crocodiles in Costa Rica. cocodrilos en Costa Rica.

9. They can live up to 25 years in the wild

In protected environments like zoos or parks, giraffes may live even longer.

10. They have excellent eyesight

From their high vantage point, giraffes can detect movement from far away, helping them spot predators early.