The Making of a Diorama
The Habitat Views video considers ways of looking at dioramas today, and documents the creation of several new displays. Take a look over on our YouTube Channel >
Recreating Nature Indoors
Ever wonder who made the dioramas in our mammal halls? Read all about the artists who created these wonderful scenes. Learn more >
Field Trips & Travel
Galapagos: May 2010
Discover the Galapagos Islands, Darwin's living laboratory, on this Fellows adventure. Learn more >
Natural History Family of Museums
We Have a Family of Three!
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (Exposition Park)
Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits (Mid-Wilshire)
Learn More
William S. Hart Museum (Newhall)
Learn More
User login
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Scene:
Waterhole near the Tana River, KenyaSponsor:
Maurice A. Machris and the Tom and Valley Knudsen FoundationBackground artist:
Duncan Alanson SpencerAlso present:
Vulturine Guinea Fowl (Acryllium vulturinum),Sandgrouse (Pterocles sp.),
Cape Buffalo,
Savanna Elephant
The giraffe is the tallest of the living land mammals. Males are between 16 and 18 feet tall and weigh up to 2000 lbs. Females are shorter and lighter. The long necks enable giraffes to feed from tall trees but the giraffe’s heart has to generate double the normal blood pressure for large mammals in order to pump blood to its brain.
Giraffes are related to deer and antelopes but are placed in a separate family, which they share only with the okapi.
Biological Information
Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat:
Savannas and open woodland
Status:
Local populations vulnerable in many areas
Diet:
Browse, especially Acacia leaves
Further information about this species may be found on the Animal Diversity Web page for giraffe.