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| The giraffe is the tallest animal on Earth. |
The Giraffe is the tallest of all animals, not excepting the elephant.This is chiefly due to its wonderful neck. A full-grown giraffe often exceeds twenty feet. On the top of its head are two curious bones. They are an out- growth from the skull and not horns, as you might think. Also, farther down on its forehead is another bone growth, somewhat like the small horn of the unicorn. Its white skin is oddly marked with brown patches, which really serve as a protection, for when standing near a tree-trunk the colors match so well that it is hard to see a giraffe. The skin is also very thick, and tough enough to turn a rifle-bullet, unless it is well aimed. The Zulus used to make their war-shields from the hide of the giraffe. The tongue is long and thin, and as its owner feeds upon leaves it is of the greatest use to pick out just those that it wants. Its eye is of a dark brown color, and is mild and pleasing. The giraffe, like the kangaroo, is silent, never uttering a sound, even after it has been badly wounded. In spite of its long legs it is not a swift runner, but at the same time it defends itself and keeps off the hyena, jackal, and other small animals by kicking all around with lightning speed. When one thinks of the range of a giraffe's heels, it is clear that they might become formidable.
A hunter on one occasion watched a lion creeping toward a fine old bull giraffe, but just as it was about to spring its victim must have caught sight of it, and like a flash the giraffe sprang round and kicked furiously. One blow caught the lion full in the chest, and to the hunter's surprise, the "king of beasts " beat a hasty retreat. This giraffe had a fearful wound in its flank, where the claws of the lion had struck it, but, on the whole, it seemed well pleased with its work.
On another occasion three lions were seen to steal toward a small herd of giraffes, and singling out one bull, they all attacked it together. One lion sprang on its flank and was immediately kicked off, but before the giraffe could gain any advantage another lion sprang on its back. The giraffe made a frantic struggle to reach the forest, but before it could get far the third lion sprang upon its neck, and the first lion, which had been kicked off, hung on its flank again. By their combined weight they managed to pull their victim down. Few animals could have withstood the attack of three lions for such a length of time.
The giraffe causes much fun in the zoological gardens by stealing the artificial flowers from the tops of the ladies' hats. The visitors stand near the enclosure thinking they are safe, but forget that the creature's long neck enables it to reach clean over the railings. The giraffe is good-tempered, and soon gets to know its keepers.
A hunter on one occasion watched a lion creeping toward a fine old bull giraffe, but just as it was about to spring its victim must have caught sight of it, and like a flash the giraffe sprang round and kicked furiously. One blow caught the lion full in the chest, and to the hunter's surprise, the "king of beasts " beat a hasty retreat. This giraffe had a fearful wound in its flank, where the claws of the lion had struck it, but, on the whole, it seemed well pleased with its work.
On another occasion three lions were seen to steal toward a small herd of giraffes, and singling out one bull, they all attacked it together. One lion sprang on its flank and was immediately kicked off, but before the giraffe could gain any advantage another lion sprang on its back. The giraffe made a frantic struggle to reach the forest, but before it could get far the third lion sprang upon its neck, and the first lion, which had been kicked off, hung on its flank again. By their combined weight they managed to pull their victim down. Few animals could have withstood the attack of three lions for such a length of time.
The giraffe causes much fun in the zoological gardens by stealing the artificial flowers from the tops of the ladies' hats. The visitors stand near the enclosure thinking they are safe, but forget that the creature's long neck enables it to reach clean over the railings. The giraffe is good-tempered, and soon gets to know its keepers.
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