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Sky-High Height
Giraffes can grow up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall, with necks that are around 6 feet (1.8 meters) long! Even though their necks are so tall, giraffes have the same number of neck bones, or vertebrae, as humans—just seven! These long necks allow them to reach leaves that other animals can’t get to, especially in their favorite acacia trees.
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A Handy Tongue
Giraffes have long, prehensile tongues that measure about 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 cm). “Prehensile” means that they can use their tongues to grab onto things, like branches and leaves, pulling them into their mouths. This comes in handy for eating leaves, flowers, and fruits that are high up in the trees.
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Built for Distance and Speed
With long legs that help them cover a lot of ground, giraffes can walk long distances to find food. If they need to escape from a predator, they can run at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour (56 km/h)!
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Surviving on the Savanna
By using their height to reach food other animals can’t, giraffes have less competition for their meals. Their tall stature also helps them spot predators like lions from far away, giving them time to run if they need to.
