Female Masai Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
Click on image to enlarge.
The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi), also spelled Maasai giraffe or named Kilimanjaro giraffe, is the largest subspecies of giraffe and the tallest land mammal. It is found in Kenya and Tanzania.
No breeding season is noted for the Masai giraffe. Females typically can breed from the age of 4. They give birth standing up. Giraffes give birth after 2–6 hours of labor. About 50–75% of the calves die in their first few months due to predation.
Though many calves die, the mothers stab predators such as hyenas or lions with their sharp hooves. This can critically injure or kill a predator quickly; the Masai giraffe's kick is strong and is capable of crushing a lion's skull or shattering its spine.
Female Masai Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
Click on image to enlarge.
The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi), also spelled Maasai giraffe or named Kilimanjaro giraffe, is the largest subspecies of giraffe and the tallest land mammal. It is found in Kenya and Tanzania.
No breeding season is noted for the Masai giraffe. Females typically can breed from the age of 4. They give birth standing up. Giraffes give birth after 2–6 hours of labor. About 50–75% of the calves die in their first few months due to predation.
Though many calves die, the mothers stab predators such as hyenas or lions with their sharp hooves. This can critically injure or kill a predator quickly; the Masai giraffe's kick is strong and is capable of crushing a lion's skull or shattering its spine.