Hobbies And Interests
Drinking
A giraffe is at its most exposed to predators when it bends down for a drink. The animal must get in an awkward position with its front legs so its head can reach the water. Predators such as crocodiles and lions can take a giraffe down once in this position very easily. The giraffe has developed a behavioral adaptation to drink water, getting as much water as quickly as it can. A full-grown giraffe gulps down water quickly and takes in as much as 10 gallons at a time according to the San Diego Zoo.
Necking
The long necks of the giraffe play a large role in determining dominance and mating rights among giraffes. Two male giraffes will fight in what is called necking. The giraffes will use their necks to swing their heads to land a blow on the other male giraffe. The longer necks and heavier heads tend to win these disputes. The assumption is that the neck of the giraffe is part of the sexual selection of the species and not just an adaption to reach high leaves on trees.
Groups
Female giraffes stay in groups or herds with young males, which is done to better detect predators for the entire group. Males may also live in bachelor herds for protection. Older mature males may live a solitary life. No hierarchy exists, such as a dominate female, within the herd, and giraffes can leave or enter the herd at any time.
Newborns
The most dangerous time of a giraffe's life is the few minutes after it is born. The newborn must get up and walk within a few minutes of birth to avoid predators. The mother will keep the newborn hidden for the first month. Thereafter, the calf stays within the female herd in a nursery that is watched over by all the giraffes in the herd to protect the calves.