Giraffe

Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth. Their legs alone are taller than many humans, about 6 feet. They can run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances, or cruise at 10 mph over longer distances. A giraffe's neck is too short to reach the ground. Male giraffes sometimes fight with their necks over female giraffes. This is called “necking”. The two giraffes stand side by side and one giraffe swings his head and neck, hitting his head against the other giraffe. Sometimes one giraffe is hit to the ground during a combat. A female giraffe gives birth while standing up. The calf drops approximately 6 feet to the ground, but it is not hurt from the fall. Giraffes have bluish-purple tongues that

are tough and covered in bristly hair to help them with eating the thorny Acacia trees and it help keep them safe from sunburns.