Why are Baby Giraffes Born So Tall?

by Amelia Pearson, age 14

Baby giraffes, also known as calves, are impressively tall compared to other young animals, typically standing about six feet tall. Female giraffes are typically smaller than their male counterparts.

Baby giraffes weigh approximately 75 pounds and grow quite fast. By their first year, they nearly double in height.

Mother giraffes tend to only have one calf at a time, but twins have been reported. When a baby giraffe learns to stand, it immediately starts to suckle its mother's milk. Baby giraffes rely on their mother’s milk for up to nine to 12 months. They begin eating leaves and solid foods around four months old.

A giraffe’s height contributes to its ability to survive – at a young age, they are most vulnerable to predators and need protection. A mother giraffe will do anything to protect its baby and use its strong legs to kick predators that come close. Animals like lions, hyenas, crocodiles, and leopards are a few of the top predators that hunt baby giraffes.

Over 50% of baby giraffes do not survive their childhood. Another tactic mother giraffes use to protect their calf is through camouflage. Specifically, mother giraffes will hide their calf in tall grass when they need to feed.

When the baby giraffe gets older, it is introduced to the rest of the giraffes. Due to being surrounded by older giraffes who deter predators, the younger giraffes are safe.

Giraffes originate in Africa, reported to live specifically in the grasslands and savannahs of East Africa. Their height helps them see predators and their size allows for protection and defend their young against predators that roam similar areas.

[Sources: Giraffe Conservation Foundation; BBC News]