Anatomy: Even though the giraffe's neck is extremely
                                             long, it has only seven neck vertebrae, the same number
                                             that people and most other mammals have. The giraffe is
                                             up to 19 feet (6 m) tall and weighs up to 2,800 pounds
                                             (1270 kg). The front legs are slightly longer than the rear
                                             legs. Different giraffe sub-species have different patterns,
                                             but most have brown polygons on a cream/tan
                                             background. The polygons are larger on the body and
                                             smaller on the face and limbs and act as camouflage
                                             among the trees. Two short horns are covered with skin
                                             and have bony knobs.

                                             Protection from Predators: These herding mammals
                                             can see their enemies (like lions) from long distances.
                                             Giraffes can run up to 35 mph (56 kph) for short bursts.

                                             Diet and Water: Giraffes are plant-eaters, eating mostly
leaves, twigs and bark from the tops of the thorny acacia plant. The giraffes carefully eat around the thorns, and their thick lips protect them somewhat from the thorns. Giraffes can go for days without the water. This is a dangerous position for the giraffe since it can't see its enemies and can't get a fast start running.

Habitat: Giraffes live in African grasslands.

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