Giraffes are the world’s tallest land animal, and their offspring are impressive in scale from the moment they are born. A newborn giraffe calf enters the world with a size that dwarfs the young of nearly every other mammal. This immense scale sets the stage for a rapid and physically demanding start to life on the African savanna.
The Answer: Newborn Giraffe Height
A baby giraffe, known as a calf, stands approximately 6 feet tall at birth, comparable to the height of an average adult human. This height is a direct result of the calf’s disproportionately long legs. Newborn giraffes weigh between 100 to 150 pounds, sometimes reaching up to 200 pounds. The calf’s legs are already about 60% of their adult length, ensuring the newborn has the necessary stride length to keep up with the herd soon after birth. The neck is relatively shorter compared to a fully grown giraffe, but it grows rapidly in the first year.
The Mechanics of Giraffe Birth
The mother gives birth standing up after a gestation period lasting about 15 months. The calf is delivered front feet first, followed by the head and the rest of the body, in a position often described as “superman.” This vertical delivery results in the newborn falling a distance of approximately 5 to 6 feet to the ground. This abrupt impact serves several biological purposes. The fall helps to break the umbilical cord and tear the amniotic sac. More importantly, the shock of the landing provides a strong physical stimulus thought to trigger the calf’s first independent breath. The mother remains alert during the process.
Survival Skills in the First Hour
Rapid mobility immediately after birth is essential for survival. The mother immediately begins to lick the calf to clean it and stimulate circulation, prompting the calf to stand. Within 30 minutes of birth, most calves begin their wobbly attempts to get onto their feet. The calf’s long legs initially pose a challenge, requiring several shaky attempts before stability is achieved. Successful standing usually occurs within the first hour, and by the time the calf is a few hours old, it is often capable of running alongside its mother. This quick mobilization is a direct adaptation to the threat of predators on the open savanna, where keeping pace with the herd is essential. The newborn’s height also allows it to reach the mother’s udder to nurse, consuming the colostrum that contains antibodies within the first few hours.
Rapid Growth and Weaning Milestones
The giraffe calf’s rapid growth continues after the first hour of life. During the first week, a calf can gain up to an inch in height every day. Within the first month, some calves gain up to 8 inches in height, nearly doubling their birth weight in the first two months. Calves rely on their mother’s milk for a significant portion of their first year, with nursing lasting between 9 and 12 months. They begin to sample solid food, primarily leaves and shoots, at about four months of age, gradually integrating browsing into their diet. Although they start eating vegetation early, they remain closely dependent on their mother for protection and sustenance. Male calves leave their mothers around 15 months, and females often stay longer, sometimes up to 18 months.