GIRAFFE

The giraffe is an African artiodactyl mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. It is traditionally considerd to be one speciesn Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies. However, the existence of up to eight extant giraffe species hass ben described, based upon research into the mitochondrials and nuclear DNA, as well as morohological mearsurements of Giraffa. Seven other species are extinct, prehistoric species known from fossils.

The giraffe's cheif distinguishing characteristics are its extremeli long neck and legs, its horn-like ossicones, and its distinctive coat patterns. It is classified undr the family Giraffidae, along with its closet axtant relative, the okapi. Its scatterrd range extends from Chad in the North to South Africa in the south, and from Niger in the west to somalia in the east. Giraffes uually inhabits savannahs and wooldlands. Their food source is leaves, fruits and flowers of woody plants, primarily acacia species, which they browse at heights most other herbivores cannont reach.

WHERE WILL YOU FIND THEM?

You will find giraffe in the south of the zoo where there is long and many trees.