Baako & Jazhara

Fun facts

• They are the tallest land animal in the world. An adult male can reach up to 5.5 meters tall.
• They barely need to drink water. They get most of their hydration from the acacia leaves they eat — they can go days without going near a river.
• Their heart can weigh up to 11 kg. It needs that power to pump blood up their long neck to the brain, against gravity.
• Their tongue is 45–50 cm long and blue-purple. That dark color protects it from the sun while they browse leaves all day.
• They sleep only 4 to 5 hours a day. Usually in very short 5–10 minute bursts, and often standing up.

The reticulated giraffe is native to northeastern Kenya, southern Ethiopia and Somalia. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.