Giraffe

Close-up photo of a giraffe at the Audubon Zoo.

Animal's Behavior
With its extremely long neck, giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) are among the most identifiable zoo animals. They live in loose groups without strong social bonds. As a species of least concern, they can still be found in game reserves.

Eating Habits
The giraffe’s incredibly long tongue and neck make it ideally suited to browse on trees, eating up to 75 pounds of foliage each day. They feed primarily in the early morning and late afternoon.

Range
Savannah and grasslands in Africa

Conservation Efforts
While the giraffe is listed as a species of least concern, conservationists are concerned that some of the nine subspecies may actually be endangered.

Animal Facts
The heart of a giraffe can weigh up to 25 pounds.