Species profile
About the masai giraffe
The Masai giraffe is a Tanzanian safari icon and the country’s national animal. Its great height opens a feeding zone beyond the reach of most browsers, while its long prehensile tongue strips leaves from thorny acacias.
Giraffes are often encountered in loose, changing groups. Patient observation reveals social behaviour, browsing choices and the deliberate, vulnerable-looking stance used to drink.
Life in the wild
Behavior & relationships
Behavior
Browses through much of the day and may travel between scattered feeding trees. Males assess rivals and can fight by swinging their necks and heads.
Social life
Flexible fission–fusion groups change membership frequently. Females may share nursery areas, while adult males often range more widely.
What makes it remarkable
Special features
The world’s tallest land animal; its large heart and specialised blood-pressure system move blood safely between heart and brain.
