Giraffe calf. Giraffes (Giraffa sp.) are the tallest living land animal,reaching up to 6 metres in height. Giraffes have a gestation period of up to 15 months,giving birth to one calf. Calves are nursed for a year before joining a herd. Herds consist of between 12-15 animals,comprising an adult male (bull),adult females (cows),calves,and sexually immature males. Its diet consists of acacia,mimosa and wild apricot leaves,which it strips from trees and bushes with its 45 centimetre tongue. Despite its height,the giraffe is capable of galloping at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. The giraffe inhabits the savanna of central Africa |