Today, let us venture into the wild classroom to understand one of Africa’s most iconic and elegant creatures—the giraffe, famously known for its grace and towering presence. Often described as “the proud animal,” the giraffe’s regal posture has captivated many. But did you know that giraffes are native only to Africa? If you spot them outside this continent, it simply means they were relocated there by humans.
Giraffes are categorized into four main species:
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The Northern giraffe (with four subspecies)
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The Southern giraffe (with two subspecies)
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The Reticulated or Somali giraffe
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And the Masai giraffe, also known as the Kilimanjaro giraffe
Today’s focus is the magnificent Masai giraffe, the tallest of them all.
The majestic Masai giraffe
Towering above all other giraffe species, the Masai giraffe holds the title for the world’s tallest land animal. These creatures are masterpieces of evolution—built for survival in Africa’s wild landscapes.
Here are the striking traits that make the Masai giraffe unique:
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Size and Strength:
Males can weigh between 1,100 kg to 1,900 kg, while females weigh around 700 kg to 1,200 kg. In terms of height, males grow up to 5.5 meters (about 19 feet), while females reach between 4 and 5 meters (16 to 18 feet).
Their strong legs—long and powerful—can deliver lethal kicks to predators like lions. -
Graceful Movement:
Giraffes walk unlike any other animal. They move both legs on one side of their body simultaneously—a movement called “pacing.” This makes their gait elegant and fluid, yet unique. -
Massive Heart, Mighty Purpose:
Their hearts weigh up to 11 kg and pump around 60 to 75 liters of blood per minute. This extraordinary circulation system supports blood flow to their elevated brains. -
Mighty Tail & Mysterious Markings:
They boast the longest tails of any land animal, reaching 3.3 feet in length. Their spot patterns are irregular and unique—males usually have darker spots than females. These patterns help scientists distinguish Masai giraffes from other species. -
Nature’s Neck:
With necks stretching up to 78 inches, Masai giraffes use them not just for reaching high foliage, but also for combat. When males fight—using a behavior called “necking”—they swing their heavy necks, delivering blows as strong as a 250 kg load. -
Special Features:
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Females typically have more hair atop their ossicones (horn-like structures), while males have less.
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Their tongues measure up to 20 inches—long and prehensile, perfect for navigating thorny branches.
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Where they roam
Masai giraffes flourish in open savannas, dry shrublands, and acacia-filled woodlands. They are primarily found in Tanzania and southern Kenya. While once believed to roam Ethiopia and Somalia, they are now considered extinct in those regions.
Their preferred environments offer ample foliage, especially tender leaves from acacia and commiphora trees. These areas not only provide food but also allow their unique browsing habits—males feeding higher in the canopy while females graze on lower branches.
Eating habits: born browsers
Masai giraffes spend between 16 to 20 hours a day eating or searching for food, only resting for about 4-5 hours. With a four-chambered stomach like cows and buffaloes, they can chew cud to aid digestion.
They consume between 30–35 kg of leaves daily, relying heavily on plants like acacia. Their long tongues and tough lips help them access spiny branches with ease.
They can go two to three days without water, as most hydration comes from leaves. But when water is available, they may drink up to 37 liters per day. Because of their long legs, drinking water involves an awkward and vulnerable splay of the limbs.
Life and reproduction
Giraffes live in loose herds of up to 14 individuals. Females coexist peacefully, especially during calving periods, while males are more territorial during mating.
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Maturity: Females can conceive by the age of 3–4 years, but males often don’t mate until they’re at least 7, having gained enough strength to compete in neck battles.
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Gestation & Birth: Pregnancy lasts 14–15 months, culminating in a single calf born while the mother is standing. Despite falling from a height, the calf rarely sustains injuries.
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Calves: At birth, they weigh around 90 kg and can stand within an hour. They depend on their mother's milk for about a year and remain under her protection, especially against predators.
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Mortality: Sadly, 50% to 75% of calves are killed by predators such as lions and hyenas within their first few months. Those who survive beyond one or two years integrate into adult herds.
Giraffes in the wild can live up to 25 years, though under human care, they may live slightly longer.
Conservation: a race against time
Once abundant, Masai giraffes now face serious threats. They are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, poaching, and human encroachment. In some countries, their numbers have plummeted or vanished altogether.
In Tanzania, efforts are ongoing to protect this iconic species. National parks such as Nyerere, Serengeti, and Saadani serve as vital sanctuaries. Conservation organizations are increasingly engaging in habitat restoration and anti-poaching initiatives.
Main predators include lions and hyenas, although these predators mainly target young giraffes. Adult giraffes, thanks to their height and power, have fewer natural threats—but their long-term survival still depends on human action.
A final thought
The Masai giraffe is not just a towering animal in the African wilderness—it’s a symbol of nature’s artistry, resilience, and fragility. Understanding and protecting these gentle giants is not just a conservation issue—it’s a responsibility we all share.
So next time you spot a giraffe grazing quietly in the bush, take a moment to admire its grandeur and remember—you’re in the presence of one of nature’s greatest marvels.
For more information on wildlife, please contact:
Sadick Omary
Phone = 0714 116963 / 0765 057969 / 0785 813286
Email= swideeq.so@gmail.com
Or visit= www.wildlifetanzania.co.tz and https://www.therespondent.co.tz/