Rothschild Giraffe

Habitat
Savannah in Uganda and Kenya

Age
20-25 years

Weight
Females: 800 kg
Males: 1300 kg

Height
3.8 – 5.5 meters

Gestation period
15 months

Number of offspring
1 calf

Conservation status
Critically endangered

Did you know…

• Giraffes are ruminants like cows, and their young are called calves.
• Male giraffes are called bulls, and female giraffes are called cows.
• Giraffes live in loose family herds, which means that individuals can actually switch herds from time to time.
• Knuthenborg’s giraffe herd consists of a bull, several cows, and their calves.
• Rothschild giraffes have individual patterns, much like our fingerprints, and they can be distinguished from other giraffe species by their white legs.
• A bull can consume up to 66 kg of food per day, while a cow consumes around 58 kg.
• The giraffe’s long tongue is dark purple. This helps to prevent sunburn as they spend their days in the scorching sun, browsing leaves.
• A giraffe can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h, although they typically maintain a pace of 16 km/h over longer distances.
• Adult giraffes have few predators. A kick from a giraffe can even kill a lion.
• Wild giraffes rest for no more than 20 minutes a day. At night, they rest with their eyes open!

Come and meet our Rothschild giraffe herd on the Savannah.