The giraffe is known as the tallest animal in the world, measuring between 4.8 and 6 meters in height.

With their cute, soft expressions and fur full of spots of different shapes, it's no surprise that giraffes are considered to be unique creatures. However, there is more to these animals than just their height and size. Here are some interesting facts about giraffes that you may not know.

1. Giraffes Rarely Sleep

Despite their large size, giraffes actually require very little rest. They only need 2 to 3 hours of sleep per day, with each sleep session lasting only 5 to 7 minutes.

In the wild, they may even stand up while sleeping to quickly escape any danger. If they do lie down to rest, their long necks form an arch.

2. The Giraffe's Head Can Turn Almost 360°

Giraffes can turn their heads flexibly, not just because of their long necks but also due to their unique cervical spine structure.

The giraffe's cervical spine is similar to that of a human joint. When drinking water, the giraffe's neck can almost touch the ground, and when resting, it can bend its neck back.

3. The Heart of a Giraffe Weighs More Than 10 Kilograms

Giraffes raise and lower their heads hundreds of times a day, and blood has to travel a distance of 3 meters to flow from the heart to the brain.

If a human blood vessel were installed in the head of a giraffe, it would burst instantly. The heart of a giraffe usually weighs more than 10 kilograms and is about 60 centimeters long, which allows it to effectively prevent brain hypoxia.

4. Giraffe Calls Are Rarely Heard

Despite their large size, giraffes are not very vocal animals. They have a purr-like call, but it is rarely heard by humans because they only vocalize in specific social situations.

5. Giraffes Live a Long Life in the Wild

Giraffes typically live 20 to 25 years in the wild, but some individuals can even live up to 30 years or more. They may live longer in a zoo or wildlife sanctuary because they are better protected and cared for.

6. Giraffe Spots Can Be Used to Identify Individuals

Each giraffe has a unique set of spots, similar to human fingerprints. The color and shape of these spots can be used to identify individual giraffes, which is very useful for wildlife conservation and research.

While giraffes are often thought of as beautiful and strange animals found in the wilds of Africa, the reality is that their numbers are in danger. Over the past three decades, giraffe populations have declined by 40%, leading to their designation as vulnerable animals by the International Union for Conservation of Nature on December 8, 2016.

Currently, there are only about 110,000 giraffes in the world, which is less than the number of elephants. Without action to preserve and protect these animals, they may soon become extinct.

The giraffe is a fascinating and unique animal with many interesting attributes. While their height and size may be their most well-known traits, their ability to sleep standing up, unique cervical spine structure, large heart, quiet nature, long lifespan, and individualized spot patterns are also noteworthy.

However, we must also remember that giraffes are vulnerable animals, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve their population for future generations to enjoy.