The giraffe is the tallest animal in the world.
Giraffe: The Tallest Terrestrial Animal
Giraffes, scientifically known as Giraffa camelopardalis, hold the title of the tallest living terrestrial animal. Their remarkable height is a result of their exceptionally long necks and legs. Males can reach impressive heights of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters), while females typically grow to around 14 feet (4.3 meters). Various sources confirm this, citing heights ranging from 14 to 20 feet (4.3 to 6.1 meters) and weights up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms). [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4, ^5, ^6, ^7, ^8, ^9, ^10]
- Height Variations: While the average height is often cited between 14 and 19 feet, individual giraffes can vary significantly in size.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Male giraffes (bulls) are generally taller than female giraffes (cows).
- Conservation Status: Unfortunately, giraffes are facing a "silent extinction," highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. ^7
Distinguishing Features
The giraffe's most striking feature is undoubtedly its extraordinarily long neck, which can measure up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. This, combined with its long legs, contributes to its remarkable height. ^4
[^1]: Giraffes are the tallest animals in the world. Males can grow up to 18 feet tall, females can reach 14 feet tall. The giraffe's chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely long neck and legs.
