Reticulated Giraffe
(Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Giraffidae
Genus: Giraffa
Species: camelopardalis reticulata

Gestation: 15 months
Range: northeastern Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia
Longevity: 25 years
Weight: Males 1,700-4,200 lbs., Females 1,500-4,000 lbs.

Conservation:
Because of the adaptations, the giraffe is one of the most successful animals in the savannah, and are only listed as lower risk in the conservation status.

Amazing Facts:
Giraffes are the tallest land mammals, and their height helps them see predators from far away. They can run up to 33 mph.

Behavior:
Giraffes are herbivores (plant eaters). They browse on leaves from acacia, mimosa and wild apricot trees. They drink about two gallons of water a week, and can go many weeks without water. The giraffe gets a large amount of water from the dew on the leaves and the water in the leaves. Giraffes can drink up to 12 gallons of water at one time.

General Description:
They have a pattern on their skin ranging from dark red to chestnut brown, and no two giraffes have the exact same pattern. Giraffes have long necks with the same number of vertebra as humans- seven. Their tongues are capable of extending up to 18 inches, and they have excellent eye sight.

Knoxville Zoo has four giraffes: Two females, Patches and Mrs. T, and two youngsters, Jim and Lucy.