Zoo Animals Chosen By Young Kids

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Giraffe Family Portrait Philadelphia Zoo 001.jpg
Giraffes are best known for their very long necks and the striking coat pattern of irregular brown patches on a lighter background. Each giraffe has a pattern of blotches that is unique to that individual, like a human fingerprint. The pattern may help hide them from predators, particularly when they are young, since the pattern tends to break up their outline when they are among trees. Giraffes are one of the largest land animals, reaching heights of up to 17 feet! Males generally weigh roughly 2,000 pounds while females typically weigh about 1,250 pounds, but there is wide variation. Their long necks have seven vertebrae, the same as humans do, and this amazing adaptation allows the giraffe to reach food in tall trees that is not accessible to other browsers. Both sexes have two short, blunt, skin-covered horns atop their heads, although some giraffes can have several more. Males in particular develop additional bumps on the skull as they get older.