Are you ready to reach new heights of learning? These giraffe facts for kids will take you on a safari adventure to meet the tallest animal on land! Discover how giraffes use their long necks, why their spots are special, and how they survive in the wild. With hands-on activities, new vocabulary, and fun stories, you’ll see why giraffes are some of the most amazing animals on Earth!
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Table of Contents
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What is Giraffe?
A giraffe is a large African mammal known for its super long neck and legs. Giraffes can grow up to 18 feet tall—that’s taller than three grown-ups stacked together! Their long necks help them reach leaves high up in trees, especially from their favorite, the acacia tree. Each giraffe has a unique pattern of spots, kind of like a fingerprint. Giraffes live in groups called towers and are gentle giants who spend most of their day eating, walking, and looking out for predators like lions.
Teaching Resources
11 Giraffe Facts for Kids
#1 Giraffes are the tallest land animals in the world.
Giraffes are famous for their incredible height, making them the tallest animals living on land. Their long necks help them reach leaves high up in the trees where few other animals can eat.
Source: Britannica Kids
#2 Even newborns are tall—about 6 feet high at birth!
Baby giraffes, called calves, are already about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall when they are born. That’s as tall as a grown-up person, right from the start!
Source: National Geographic Kids
#3 Giraffes live in the savannas and woodlands of Africa.
You’ll find giraffes wandering the open savannas and woodlands across Africa, where tall trees and wide spaces are perfect for these gentle giants.
Source: ThoughtCo
#4 Their long necks have only 7 bones, like ours, but much longer.
Even though giraffe necks are incredibly long, they have the same number of neck bones as humans—just seven! Each bone is much bigger and stretched out.
Source: ThoughtCo
#5 A grown giraffe can eat up to 145 pounds of leaves a day!
Adult giraffes spend a lot of time eating and can munch through up to 145 pounds (66 kilograms) of leaves daily, mainly from tall acacia trees.
Source: Britannica Kids
#6 Their tongues are up to 18 inches long and dark-colored to protect from sunburn.
A giraffe’s tongue can stretch up to 18 inches (about 45 centimeters) and is dark purple or black. The color helps protect it from getting sunburned as they eat in the hot sun!
Source: Wikipedia
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#7 Most giraffes live about 20–30 years in the wild.
Giraffes can live for 20 to 30 years in the wild if they stay healthy and safe from predators.
Source: ThoughtCo
#8 Giraffes live in loose groups called towers or herds that change all the time.
Giraffes are social animals and live in ever-changing groups known as “towers” or “herds.” These groups aren’t fixed and can change as giraffes come and go.
Source: Wikipedia
#9 Both male and female giraffes have horn-like ossicones on their heads.
Giraffes have special horn-like structures called ossicones on top of their heads. Both males and females have them, and they’re covered with skin and fur.
Source: Wikipedia
#10 Giraffes have really big hearts (up to 25 pounds) to pump blood up to their heads.
A giraffe’s heart is huge—sometimes weighing up to 25 pounds (11 kilograms)! This powerful heart helps pump blood all the way up their long necks to their brains.
Source: Wikipedia
#11 Giraffes help spread seeds and pollinate flowers as they eat in tall trees.
As giraffes munch on leaves and flowers from tall trees, they help spread seeds and pollinate blossoms. This is important for keeping Africa’s forests and savannas healthy.
Source: BBC Earth
Additional Resources
Giraffe-Related Vocabulary Words
Help kids understand these important giraffe words:
- Tower: A group of giraffes
- Ossicone: The little horn-like bumps on a giraffe’s head
- Ruminant: An animal with a special stomach for digesting plants
- Spots: The unique patterns that cover a giraffe’s body
- Calf: A baby giraffe
- Savanna: The grassy habitat where many giraffes live
Giraffe Activity Ideas For Kids
Bring these giraffe facts for kids to life with these fun activities:
- Giraffe Neck Measuring: Use a measuring tape to see how long a giraffe’s neck is compared to your height
- Spotted Art Project: Paint or draw your own giraffe and create unique spot patterns
- Tower Walk Game: Walk in a line with friends to pretend you’re a giraffe “tower” moving across the savanna
- Leafy Snack Time: Eat leafy greens like giraffes do, or make a salad bar for snack
- Giraffe Mask Craft: Make a giraffe mask using paper plates and markers
- Tallest Tower Challenge: Build the tallest “giraffe” you can using blocks or recycled materials
Giraffe Related Stories and Myths
Giraffes have inspired wonderful stories and legends! Here are some favorites:
- How the Giraffe Got Its Long Neck: African folktales about giraffes reaching high leaves
- The Gentle Giraffe: Storybooks about kind giraffes helping their animal friends
- The Giraffe’s Journey: Tales of giraffes traveling far to find water on the savanna
- Giraffe in Fables: Stories that teach lessons about being unique and helpful
- Cartoon Giraffes: Many animated movies and shows feature giraffes as friendly, funny characters
- Giraffe Guardians: Legends of giraffes watching over the African plains
What’s Your Favorite Giraffe Fact?
Giraffes are gentle giants with big hearts and long necks! Now that you’ve learned these giraffe facts for kids, you can share your knowledge, try new activities, and tell tall tales of your own. Keep exploring the animal kingdom—there’s always something new to discover with fun facts for kids!
What is your favorite Giraffe fact from the post, or do you have another? Share it by tagging me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches. I would love to see!
Bye for now,
Prima from LittleYellowStar
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