Kilimanjaro Giraffe - Masai Giraffe

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The Kilimanjaro giraffe, also known as the Masai giraffe, stands as the largest subspecies of giraffes and is recognized as the tallest land mammal on Earth.

The Masai giraffe is found in Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro region, around Mount Meru in Arusha National Park, and other parks including the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. It is also found in central and southern Kenya, near Mount Kenya National Park, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Amboseli National Park bordering Kilimanjaro National Park and other areas. From the hooves to the top of its head, it has characteristic spots that resemble jagged, uneven leaves. Currently, Tanzania’s national animal is the Masai giraffe.

The Masai giraffe, known for its distinctive, jagged spots, roams across various regions of East Africa. It holds the title of being the largest and tallest of all giraffe species, making it the tallest terrestrial animal. Male Masai giraffes, or bulls, significantly outsize their female counterparts, weighing nearly 1,300 kg (2,900 lbs) and towering up to 5.5 meters (18 feet). In their natural habitat, they might live up to 30 years, with the potential for a longer lifespan in captivity.

A standout feature of the Masai giraffe is its elongated neck, composed of seven vertebrae, which account for about one-third of its total height. This neck is complemented by a long, muscular, and prehensile tongue, stretching up to 50 cm (20 inches), allowing it to pluck foliage from heights unreachable by other creatures. The tongue’s dark colour is thought to act as a natural sunscreen, protecting it from the harsh African sun.

Giraffes Ol Doinyo Lengai — Giraffes browsing the acacia trees at Ol Doinyo Lengai mountain

On their heads, Masai giraffes sport two ossicones, which are bony protrusions covered with thick skin and tufts of dark hair at the tips. These ossicones can be used in combat, where males might use them to strike opponents. Males often have an additional ossicone between their eyes.

When it comes to speed, the Masai giraffe can gallop at speeds approaching 64 km/h (40 mph), showcasing its impressive agility despite its size.

About the Kilimanjaro / Masai Giraffe

The Masai giraffe, scientifically named Giraffa tippelskirchi or Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi depending on the taxonomic view, is native to East Africa. It was named after Herr von Tippelskirch, a member of a German scientific expedition in 1896.

Tippelskirch returned with the skin of a female Masai giraffe, eventually designated as Giraffa tippelskirchi, from the vicinity of Lake Eyasi. The Masai giraffe has been suggested to be a separate species in some taxonomic theories.

Physical Appearance:
- Size: Males can grow up to 19 feet (5.8 meters) tall, while females reach up to 16 feet (4.9 meters). Males weigh between 2,475 to 4,275 pounds (1,100 – 1,900 kg), and females between 1,575 to 2,700 pounds (700 – 1,200 kg).
- Spots: Their fur is covered with jagged, irregular spots, darker in dominant males, which are unique to each individual, much like human fingerprints. These spots extend down to their hooves, unlike some other giraffe species where the pattern fades below the knees.
- Neck and Head: They possess a long neck with seven elongated vertebrae, making up about one-third of their height. Their heads feature two ossicones, bony structures covered with hair, which are more pronounced in males.
Adaptations:
- Tongue and Lips: Their long, prehensile tongue (up to 20 inches or 50 cm) and thick, protective saliva allow them to eat leaves from thorny acacia trees without injury.
- Blood Circulation: Special valves in their necks prevent blood from rushing to their brains when they lower their heads to drink, a critical adaptation for such tall creatures.
Habitat:
Masai giraffes are found in the savannas of Kenya and Tanzania. They prefer areas with acacia trees, which are their primary food source, but they’re adaptable, capable of surviving in various landscapes from open plains to woodlands.
Diet: They are browsers, feeding on leaves, twigs, and bark, particularly from acacia trees. Their diet is so specialized that they can consume up to 75 lbs (34 kg) of foliage daily, often not needing to drink water as they get sufficient moisture from their food.
Behavior and Reproduction:
- Social Structure: They form loose herds, with males often engaging in “necking” to establish dominance.
- Reproduction: Gestation lasts about 13-15 months, resulting in a single calf. Newborns are about 6 feet tall and can stand and run shortly after birth, a crucial adaptation for survival against predators.
Conservation Status: The Masai giraffe is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, with a significant population decline due to poaching and habitat loss. Efforts for conservation include both in-situ actions by government agencies and NGOs, focusing on habitat preservation and anti-poaching measures.

Kilimanjaro Giraffe Safaris

To see Kilimanjaro Giraffes on safari, you have to book a Tanzania safari to Serengeti, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park or simply take a day trip to Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania or Amboseli National Park in Kenya. There are a few giraffes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that can be seen at Kilimanjaro Safaris but wouldn’t it be nice seeing these wild animals in their natural habitat?

How do Giraffes Sleep?

Giraffes have adapted to sleep while standing to protect themselves from predators, allowing them to quickly wake up and flee if necessary. As animals that must remain vigilant in the African Savanna like Serengeti National Park, they’ve evolved to require only about 30 minutes of sleep daily, though they can manage with even less when conditions demand it. Given their susceptibility when lying down, which would slow their escape from threats, giraffes in the wild are often seen sleeping on their feet, ready to spring into action. They might lean against trees for support, but their sleep is typically light, akin to a “cat-nap,” ensuring they’re never fully disengaged from their surroundings.

Do giraffes lie down?

Giraffes are often observed resting while standing on their feet, but recent studies have revealed they lie down more frequently than previously believed. When they do choose to lie down, they tuck their legs beneath them, yet they typically keep their necks upright. It’s not uncommon for them to continue eating or chewing their cud even while in this reclined state.

However, for very brief moments, usually no longer than five minutes, giraffes might sleep with their heads resting on their hindquarters. This posture makes them particularly vulnerable to predators, which explains why it’s seldom seen and only for short durations. Observations in zoos indicate that giraffes enter REM sleep in this rare position, suggesting it’s a critical part of their sleep cycle despite its rarity.

Why can’t a giraffe drink water without spreading its legs?

Due to the extraordinary length of their necks, giraffes must splay their legs wide apart to lower their heads enough to reach the ground for drinking. This position, while necessary for hydration, unfortunately leaves them more exposed to predators, yet it’s a risk they must take to quench their thirst.