Giraffes are the tallest animals in the world, standing at up to 20 feet in height. These majestic creatures are found throughout Africa and have become an iconic symbol for the African Savannah. Giraffes are an incredibly unique species, possessing some extraordinary features that make them stand out from the rest of the animal kingdom. The most distinctive feature of giraffes is their long neck, which can measure up to 6 feet long in the tallest individuals. The neck is incredibly flexible and allows the giraffe to reach high into the trees for its favorite food, the leaves of the Acacia tree. In addition to their neck length, researchers have discovered that giraffes also have an extra pair of vertebrae compared to other mammals, giving them an impressive span of 8 feet neck-to-tail! Giraffes are also well-known for their distinct and beautiful pattern of spots which can vary greatly across individuals. Each giraffe has a unique pattern of spots, which act as camouflage and can help the giraffe blend in to its environment. Interestingly, experts have commented that the number of spots on an individual’s pattern can help to estimate the age of the giraffe, with the average being anywhere from 10 to 12 spots for an adult individual. The incredible features of the giraffe make them one of the world’s most beloved species, and a vital part of the African Savannah ecosystem. From the spot patterns to their extraordinary neck length, there is no mistaking the extraordinary characteristics of the giraffe that make them so special.