Once roaming the Great Plains of Africa in huge herds, giraffe numbers have greatly diminished and they are now entirely dependent on humanity for their survival.
By adopting a giraffe you are helping to support the work of conservation groups, providing vital funding necessary to carry out their campaigning and efforts to improve and preserve wildlife and their habitat.
Help to make a difference in the future survival of the animals by adopting a giraffe today. |
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Giraffes are undeniably one of the most unique species on earth. Their huge hearts, which can weigh almost two stone, pump blood around their bodies which can reach the dizzying heights of 18 foot or more; indeed their necks alone can extend up to six foot in length.
Their name ,Giraffa Camelopardalis, means 'one who walks swiftly, a camel marked like a leopard'. Like camels, giraffes have a 'small' hump on their backs and can go without drinking water for long periods due to their succulent diet of Acacia leaves, but this is where the similarity ends.
Baby giraffe or 'calf' drops head first to the ground from a height of about six feet at birth, which causes it to take its first big breath. Newborns are up and walking around after about one hour. Adult giraffes are too large for most predators but the young can fall prey to lions, leopards and hyenas. Up to half of all giraffe calves never reach adulthood.
Everything about a giraffe – its extraordinary long neck, distinctive camouflage, graceful movement and friendly nature – is instantly recognizable. Consequently the giraffe has fascinated man throughout its history, with its quiet and lofty stance representing in the human psyche virtue, peace and harmony.
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