Changes

==Diet==

==Diet==

The giraffe feeds from tall trees, particularly [[Acacia]] and [[Commiphora]]. Their tongues grow up to 18 inches (45&nbsp;cm) long, which helps them pick through the acacia tree’s spiky branches. Females bend their heads down over their meal, while males stretch up to reach the youngest shoots. To drink, giraffes have to lower their heads and spread their front legs wide apart to reach the ground.<ref>''Amazing animals: Giraffe'' [http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/reallywild/amazing/giraffe.shtml Science and nature: Animals] BBC</ref>

The giraffe feeds from tall trees, particularly [[Acacia]] and [[Commiphora]]. Their tongues grow up to 18 inches (45&nbsp;cm) long, which helps them pick through the acacia tree’s spiky branches. Females bend their heads down over their meal, while males stretch up to reach the youngest shoots. To drink, giraffes have to lower their heads and spread their front legs wide apart to reach the ground.<ref>''Amazing animals: Giraffe'' [https://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/reallywild/amazing/giraffe.shtml Science and nature: Animals] BBC</ref>

==Behaviour==

==Behaviour==

==Reproduction==

==Reproduction==

Sexual maturity is reached at age 4–5 years although bulls usually only mate at 8 or more years old. Gestation lasts 15 months, after which a single calf is born, although twins have been recorded very rarely. The female can mate again 5 months after giving birth, and there is no established breeding season. For the first few weeks the calf remains hidden in the shade with the mother returning to it, and later it joins a creche within the herd. Calves grow fast, and are weaned at 18 months, although they start eating solids well before then. Fifty per cent die in their first 6 months, the victims of predators.<ref>''Wildfacts: Giraffe'' [http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/631.shtml Science and Nature: Animals] BBC</ref>  

Sexual maturity is reached at age 4–5 years although bulls usually only mate at 8 or more years old. Gestation lasts 15 months, after which a single calf is born, although twins have been recorded very rarely. The female can mate again 5 months after giving birth, and there is no established breeding season. For the first few weeks the calf remains hidden in the shade with the mother returning to it, and later it joins a creche within the herd. Calves grow fast, and are weaned at 18 months, although they start eating solids well before then. Fifty per cent die in their first 6 months, the victims of predators.<ref>''Wildfacts: Giraffe'' [https://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/631.shtml Science and Nature: Animals] BBC</ref>  

==The giraffe's neck ==

==The giraffe's neck ==