The Extreme Giraffe: Navigating Their Habitat
Giraffes are one of the most fascinating animals in the world, standing out for their unique features that make them one of a kind. In this episode of Stay Tuned to the Zoo, we delve into giraffe anatomy’s quirks and learn how their adaptations help them survive in their habitat.
A Long and Lean Body
When it comes to being an animal of extremes, the giraffe takes the cake. From their incredibly long necks to their gangly legs, they may seem awkward and unwieldy, but their body shape is perfectly adapted to their natural surroundings. Giraffes are the tallest mammals in the world, with males growing up to 18 feet tall and females reaching up to 14 feet tall. Interestingly, their necks are only made up of seven vertebrae, the same as found in humans, but each one is elongated and highly flexible. This allows them to reach the high branches of trees for food without using their long legs.
A Long Tongue for Reaching High Places
Another of the giraffe’s most fascinating features is their long and agile tongue. Measuring up to 18 inches, their tongue is a beautiful shade of black and purple and can slice through branches like a knife. The tongue is highly flexible and can wrap around branches, helping them to pull down the leaves they need to survive. However, it is not only their length that helps them, but the texture of their tongue also. Their tongue is covered in tiny projections, or papillae, that help them grip onto leaves and strip the leaves from the branches. This unique feeding method is seen in no other animal in the world.
Flailing Tails for Defense
Besides their long and valuable necks and tongues, giraffes also have a flailing tail that they use as a defense mechanism against predators. When giraffes detect danger or feel threatened, they can use their tail to lash out at their attacker. Their tails comprise a ligaments and muscle fibers network that allows them to swing around with great force. Even though giraffes are not often preyed upon, their tail is an essential line of defense.
Can You Keep Up?
As the video nears its end, the viewers are asked if they think they have what it takes to try some of the behaviors of a giraffe. Try sticking your tongue out as far as you can and see if you can beat the length of a giraffe’s tongue. See if you can reach as high as a giraffe with your neck fully extended. And lastly, try a “giraffe run,” where you hop with your front and back legs together, mimicking the giraffe’s unique gait.
The giraffe’s anatomy is unique and has adapted for centuries to survive the harsh African savannah. Every aspect of the giraffe’s body structure plays a vital role in its survival, from its long necks and tongues to its flailing tails. So the next time you visit your local zoo or wildlife sanctuary, take a closer look at these majestic creatures and marvel at their extreme anatomy.
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Summary of Transcript:
The video shares information about the extreme adaptations of giraffes, including their height, long legs, long necks, large hearts, and prehensile tongues. The video also explains how Lincoln Park Zoo cares for its giraffes, including positive reinforcement training, hoof care, and enrichment. The video ends with the presenter leading viewers in activities that simulate giraffe behaviors.
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Summary of Description:
The Stay Tuned to the Zoo episode focuses on giraffes and their unique features that help them navigate their environment. The video explores their necks, tongues, and tails and challenges viewers to attempt some giraffe behaviors. Various individuals produced the content; the trademark belongs to Lincoln Park Zoo.
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Source Description
Animals come in all shapes and sizes, and giraffes are no exception. In this episode of Stay Tuned to the Zoo, learn about how giraffes are animals of extremes and how that helps them navigate their habitat. Get a close-up look at their necks, tongues, and tails and see if you have what it takes to attempt some giraffe behaviors.
Video Producer/Editor: Sean Raju
Illustration: Ashley Bedore and Nicole Hodur
Photography: Chris Bijalba, Todd Rosenberg, Serena Benoit
Trademark: Lincoln Park Zoo, all rights reserved
