Fun Facts About Giraffes For Kids
Giraffes are amazing animals with unique features and characteristics that kids will love to learn about. Here are some fun facts about giraffes to pique their interest:
1. Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth! They can grow up to 18 feet tall, which is about the height of a two-story building.
2. Despite their long necks, giraffes have the same number of vertebrae as humans – only seven in total! However, their vertebrae are much longer than ours.
3. Giraffes have a distinctive spotted pattern on their fur that is completely unique to each individual. Think of it as their own personal fingerprint!
4. When giraffes are born, they are already six feet tall – almost as tall as an adult human! They can also stand up and walk within an hour of birth.
5. Giraffes have extremely long tongues – up to 18 inches in length! This helps them reach leaves and branches that are out of reach for other animals.
6. Despite their height, giraffes only need about 5-30 minutes of sleep per day. They often sleep standing up, and take short catnaps throughout the day.
7. Giraffes have incredibly large hearts, weighing up to 25 pounds! This is because they need a strong heart to pump blood all the way up to their heads.
8. Giraffes are social animals that live in groups called towers or herds. These groups can consist of up to 20 individuals, usually led by a dominant male.
9. Though they may seem gentle and slow, giraffes can run up to 35 miles per hour! This helps them escape from predators like lions and hyenas.
10. Giraffes are herbivores that eat mostly leaves, flowers, and fruits. They can eat up to 75 pounds of vegetation per day!
These are just a few fun facts about giraffes that kids will love to learn. The next time you see a giraffe at the zoo or in a book, you’ll know a little bit more about these amazing creatures