The Evolutionary Advantages of Giraffes

Did you know that giraffes grow a whopping 4 feet in their first year of life? At six feet tall and 150 pounds during birth, a baby giraffe is most vulnerable to attacks by lions and many die this way in their first year of life.

Once a giraffe reaches adulthood, its towering height is often enough to protect it from attacks.  When they bend down to drink water, they do so in shifts so that at least one giraffe is on the lookout for approaching lions and other predators.

​”The giraffes’ height and excellent vision give them a wide view of the grasslands where they live, making it easy to spot predators from a distance. Some scientists believe that other animals—such as zebras, antelope, and wildebeests—often congregate near giraffes to take advantage of their ability to see danger from a distance. The giraffe could be considered the early warning system of the African grasslands.” – National Geographic

Take a peek at our Game Viewing Video, highlighting our wildilfe abundant safaris through Tanzania.