Northern Giraffe: Guardians of the Savanna
The northern giraffe, with its towering height and gentle demeanor, is an iconic symbol of Africa’s savannas. Found primarily in Chad, Sudan, and Niger, this subspecies is critically endangered, making conservation efforts essential.
Standing up to 6 meters tall, giraffes use their long necks to browse on the leaves of acacia trees, which are out of reach for most other animals. Their tongues, nearly 50 cm long, are prehensile and tough enough to handle thorny branches. Despite their size, giraffes are surprisingly graceful, often moving in slow, deliberate strides.
Resting is a unique challenge for giraffes. They rarely lie down, as standing up takes considerable effort and leaves them vulnerable to predators. Instead, giraffes sleep in short bursts, often while standing. They also keep a watchful eye on their surroundings, relying on their height advantage to spot danger from afar.
Conservation reserves offer giraffes the space and safety they need to thrive. Visitors are often awestruck by their sheer size and elegance, a reminder of nature’s unparalleled creativity. By protecting giraffes, we also safeguard the savanna ecosystems they help maintain.