The giraffe is a cud-chewing hoofed mammal that lives in herds in savanna and 

open bush country. It is native to most of Africa south of the Sahara desert and

feeds primarily on a variety of Acacia and Combretum trees. The giraffe can grow

to a height of 18 feet or more and run at 30 miles per hour. Males can weigh up

to a ton and a half while females typically weight a half ton.

Female giraffes give birth standing up, and the young calf is dropped six feet 

to the ground onto its head. The baby giraffes are 6 feet tall when born and 

weigh 110-120 pounds. It takes four years to reach maturity. Giraffes live about 

20-25 years. 

Giraffes have the highest known blood pressure in any mammal at 280/180 mm 

of mercury. This pressure (twice our own) and a heart beat of 170 times per minute 

helps the giraffe keep a steady flow of blood and oxygen to its brain. 

The giraffe is a protected species in Eastern Africa.