Hobbies And Interests
Weights and Sizes
Most people know that the giraffe is the tallest land mammal, growing on average to between 14 and 18 feet tall. However, most people do not realize that other aspects of weight and size make the giraffe exceptional. For example, their feet are about 12 inches across. Their legs are all around six feet long, although they may seem to have different lengths. Their hearts weigh about 25 pounds, depending on the size of the giraffe. This large heart can pump about 160 gallons of blood in a single minute. Their necks also weigh a lot -- the average sized giraffe can have a neck weighing as much as 500 to 600 pounds.
Tongues and Eating
Giraffes sport very unusual tongues. Their tongues are dark colored, from purple to black. The dark coloration of the tongue keeps it from being sunburned by the harsh African sun. Giraffes' tongues are also very long, ranging from 18 to 21 inches in length. Giraffes eat acacia leaves, which are found high up in very spiny trees. The giraffe's long tongue allows it to reach into the tree, wrapping its tongue around the branch, without getting spines in its face. If the giraffe accidentally swallows any thorns from the tree, the thorns are coated in a thick saliva that keeps them from harming the giraffe. After a giraffe has eaten, the food goes through a stomach that has four compartments. During digestion, the giraffe regurgitates its food, chewing through the cud thoroughly again, before finally swallowing and completely digesting it.
Necks
Despite weighing an amazing amount, the giraffe's neck only has seven vertebrae in it. This is the same amount of vertebrae as humans have; however, a giraffe vertebra is about 10 inches long. Although their necks are very long, giraffes cannot reach the ground simply by stretching out their necks. They must spread their legs wide apart in an awkward position to drink. This leaves them exposed to danger, so giraffes often go to get water together, taking turns drinking and looking out for predators.
Ossicones
All giraffes, whether they are male or female, have two hairy bumps on their heads that look somewhat like horns. These are called ossicones, and they are made of bone. As male giraffes age, it may appear that they are growing more of these horns; however, what is actually happening is that calcium deposits are building up on their heads. Male giraffes often playfully fight each other by swinging their necks and banging them together. These deposits help to protect the giraffe's head.