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GIRAFFE

Giraffa camelopardalis

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DESCRIPTION

Giraffes are the tallest land animals, reaching up to 18 feet in males. These gentle giants are known for their long necks, unique golden-brown spot patterns, and prehensile tongues, which help them feed on treetop leaves. They can run surprisingly fast, reaching speeds of  56 km/h. Giraffes live in social herds and use their height to watch for predators. Each giraffe has its own distinct coat pattern, adding to their mysterious charm in the wild.

 

DIET

Giraffes are herbivores with a diet primarily consisting of leaves, fruits, flowers, and twigs. They are especially fond of acacia trees, using their long, prehensile tongues (up to 18 inches) to strip leaves from tall branches. Their tongues are adapted to grip and manipulate leaves, while their teeth and jaw muscles help them tear foliage. Giraffes also feed on a variety of other plants, depending on the availability of food in their habitat, including shrubs and grasses.

 

ENDANGERMENT STATUS

Giraffes are currently classified as Vulnerable. While not critically endangered, they face significant threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The reticulated giraffe subspecies is listed as Endangered, with populations declining due to these factors. Conservation efforts are underway to protect giraffe populations, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and raising awareness about their ecological importance.

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

GIRAFFE

GROUP NAME

Tower

Native To

SIZE

4.3 to 4.8 meters Tall

BABY NAME

Calf

Habitat

Giraffes are native to sub-Saharan Africa and are typically found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and open forests. They prefer areas with plenty of tall trees, especially acacia trees, which provide a primary food source. Giraffes are often found in regions where the terrain is relatively open, allowing them to spot predators from a distance. They can also live in both dry and semi-arid environments, although they tend to avoid dense forests and areas with extreme heat.

Did You Know?

Giraffe hearts are huge—weighing about 11 kg—and are powerful enough to pump blood all the way up to their tall necks! This incredible heart enables them to maintain blood flow to their heads, which helps them reach treetop leaves while also being able to stand tall and run at speeds of up to 56 km/h when necessary!

Tallest Land Animal - Giraffes are the tallest land animals, with males reaching up to 5.5 metres and females slightly shorter. Their height helps them access food that other animals can’t reach.

Long Neck, Short Sleep - Giraffes only need about 4 to 5 hours of sleep per day, often sleeping while lying down, but they can also nap while standing!

Unique Spot Patterns - Just like human fingerprints, each giraffe has a unique pattern of spots. No two giraffes have the same coat pattern.

Tasting with Their Tongue: A giraffe's tongue is 18 inches long and dark purple, which helps protect it from sunburn while feeding on treetops.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY

With long limbs and prehensile tails, spider monkeys are expert climbers. Watching them traverse great heights, swinging and leaping with effortless grace, their agility is undeniable.

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Dingo

Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups.

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MEERKAT

The role of ‘sentry’ is crucial to a meerkat mob’s safety and security. Always vigilant, the sentry stands guard, scanning the surroundings for danger while the rest of the group foragers without fear of predators.

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DROMEDARY CAMEL

The Domedary Camel has a single hump, which stores fat the Camel can break down when resources are scarce.

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RING-TAILED LEMUR

Ring Tiled Lemurs 'sun worship' which means they face their tummies to the sun and stretch their arms out wide to warm themselves up.

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PLAINS ZEBRA

Zebras are a highly social species, living in complex social systems. See zebra herds in NSW at Mogo Wildlife Park and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

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AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

Early in the morning the alligator moat may seem eerily empty, with only eyes and nostrils breaking the surface. Once the sun rises, the basking giants create an entirely different scene.

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Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils are primarily solitary animals, living in territories that may intersect other individual’s territories. Each territory will have 3-4 dens, which can be utilised for years, especially by females with young.

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Lorikeet

Calling all bird lovers to our walk through Lorikeet enclosure. Enjoy our stunning Lorikeets flying around and possibly even landing on you!

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Wombat

Common Wombats are a short, robust marsupial native to south-east Australia and Tasmania

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Binturong

Binturongs, with their prehensile tails, dark fur, and mysterious demeanor, appear almost mythical, evoking a sense of enchantment and intrigue.

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Lion

Lions can run at about 55km/h but their prey average around 80km/h, they must get as close as possible to their dinner without being seen

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Koala

Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears.

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GIRAFFE

Gotti, our first giraffe calf born at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, is full of curiosity and confidence. Under his mother’s watchful eye, he loves to run and explore his habitat with boundless energy.

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