Giraffes look like they came straight out of some fairytale with long necks and spotted coats. However, they are very much real and even more interesting than you might have guessed. Continue reading to find out some fun facts about giraffes you probably didn’t know before.
Their Coat Patterns Are Like Human Fingerprints
The giraffe spotted coat patterns are not just mesmerizing; they are also one out of one. They could be compared to human fingerprints as there are no two giraffes that have the same patterns on their fur.
Their Tongues Are Super Long
Giraffes are able to feed on tree leaves and buds not only because of their necks but also because of their super-long tongues. On average, a giraffe’s tongue is between 18 inches and 20 inches long.
Giraffes Drink Water Only Every Few Days
It is difficult for giraffes to drink water, as they either need to spread their legs or bend their knees to reach the water source. This is why it’s not surprising that they’re not huge water drinkers and usually only drink it every few days.
They Can Be Surprisingly Fast
You would think that giraffes can’t run all that fast because of their size. But that is not quite correct. It turns out they can be surprisingly fast, reaching a speed of more than 30 miles per hour in short bursts.
They Don’t Sleep That Much
The most giraffes will sleep in a day is 30 minutes, while they can sometimes get by with only five minutes of sleep. Also, they get most of their sleep through quick naps that usually take a minute or so.
