Giraffe |
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Unique Features
The giraffe is the tallest animal in the world. The ancient Greeks thought that giraffes were a cross between a camel and a leopard. Giraffes eat shoots, leaves, twigs, bark, fruit and flowers. Giraffes have thick, long eyelashes to protect their eyes against thorns.They have enormous hearts due to the fact that the heart has to pump blood to the animal's brain 2,5 - 3 meters above heart level. Elastic blood vessels and a series of valves in the main veins of the giraffe prevents a rush of blood to or from the brain. The giraffe's sloping back and raised shoulders is due to the bulk of muscles needed to support the long neck. Predators The natural predators of adult giraffes are lion. Young giraffe may be hunted by lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs and crocodiles. Giraffes are most vulnerable to attack when drinking. Because of the cumbersome length of their necks, they are forced to spread their legs and bend their knees while drinking. The giraffe defends itself from an attacking lion by kicking at it with its powerful hooves. |