Giraffe Facts

- Giraffes are one of the few species of mammal to perceive color.

- Both sexes have horns, although the horns of a female are smaller.

- Giraffes live about 25 years in the wild, and about 28 years in captivity.

- Giraffes can go for days without water.

- The giraffe's neck has only 7 vertebrae, the same number that people and most other mammals have.

- Giraffes can run up to 35 mph (56 kph).

- Ancient Romans called giraffes "camelopards," describing them as hybrid animals with camel bodies and leopard spots.

- Giraffes sleep about 1.9 hours per day.

- Lions are the main predators of giraffes.

- Newborn giraffe calves begin their lives by falling 6 feet to the ground.

- Like human fingerprints, each giraffe's coat is unique.