Giraffes are the world's tallest animal. Their first experience of life is a two metre drop to the ground, because female giraffes give birth standing up. For the first few weeks, the calf remains hidden in the shade and the mother returns to it from her foraging trips. Later on, the calf is taken to join a creche. Calves grow fast and are weaned at 18 months, although they start eating solids well before then.

Did you know?
At nearly six metres the giraffe is the world's tallest animal.


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