Continent: Africa
Habitat: Savannah

Diet: Herbivore (Plant Eater)

There are two subspecies of Giraffe at South Lakes Safari Zoo, the Rothschild’s Giraffe and the West African Giraffe. All giraffes have reduced in numbers due to factors like habitat loss and conflict with humans.

The Rothschild’s Giraffe has darker spots that fade out towards the edges, and faded spots on the inner leg. Our West African Giraffes have paler, more well defined spots.

Below each image below is a detailed description of both subspecies.

Giraffa camelopardalis

Animals, mammals, Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), Giraffidae (giraffes and okapis)

Our West African Giraffes are, as their name suggests, from west Africa.

We have a conservation project that helps Peralta giraffes in west Africa, the ASGN. This project helps giraffes by improving the lives of locals, providing wells, seed and health care so people won’t be in conflict with the giraffes. This reduces both competition and persecution for the animals.

Habitat: Savannah, scrubs, open acacia woodlands and grasslands.

Vital Statistics:
-Average weight: 800kg
-Average height: males 5.3m, females 4.3m

Life Expectancy:
In the wild up to: 15 years
In captivity up to: 25 years

Diet: Leaves, flowers, seed pods and fruits.

Gestation: 430 days

Number of Young: 1

Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi

Animals, mammals, Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), Giraffidae (giraffes and okapis)

Rothschild’s Giraffes are taller than many other Giraffe subspecies. They are the only species to be born with 5 ossicones (the bony protuberances on their heads).

Habitat: Savannah, scrubs, open acacia woodlands and grasslands.

Vital Statistics:
-Average weight: male 1192kg, female 1825kg
-Average height: 6m

Life Expectancy:
In the wild up to: 25 years
In captivity up to: 28 years

Diet: Leaves, twigs, seed pods, and fruit.

Gestation: 14-16 months

Number of Young: 1