Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Giraffes are extraordinary, completely unique animals.  Their giant size helps them feed, giraffes have evolved to exploit the leaves on tree-tops, out of reach to smaller animals.  Giraffes might seem fragile, with spindly legs, but they are actually extremely strong and fast.  A well-placed kick could shatter the skull of a predatory lion, while a running giraffe can reach speeds of more than 50km per hour. 

Giraffes are under threat, both in captivity where they are exploited in zoos and circuses, and in the wild.  Wild giraffes have been extensively hunted for their meat, but today their main threat is loss of suitable habitat.