What you didn't know about giraffes

Giraffes are living testaments to nature’s ingenuity, whether it's their impossibly long necks, their silent yet profound social interactions, or their strikingly beautiful coats, these gentle giants remain some of the most extraordinary animals on the planet. 

Here's 10 things you (probably) didn't know about them:

1. Blue-Black Tongue – Giraffes have a 20-inch-long tongue that is dark blue or black, which helps protect it from sunburn while they feed on high branches. 
2. No Vocal Cords? Not Quite! – While giraffes are often thought to be silent, they actually produce low-frequency sounds (infrasound) that are mostly undetectable to humans.
3. They Sleep Standing Up – Giraffes can sleep while standing and only need about 30 minutes of sleep per day, often in short bursts!
4. Their Neck Has the Same Number of Vertebrae as Humans – Despite their long necks, giraffes only have seven cervical vertebrae, just like humans and most other mammals. The difference? Each vertebra can be up to 10 inches long!
5. Super-Powered Heart – A giraffe’s heart weighs about 25 pounds and generates extremely high blood pressure (double that of a human) to pump blood all the way up to its brain.  
6. Leggy Speedsters – Despite their seemingly slow movements, giraffes can sprint at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour over short distances.
7. They Give Birth Standing Up – A baby giraffe drops about six feet to the ground when it is born, but this tough start helps it quickly learn to stand and run within hours!
8. They Have No True Territory – Unlike many animals, giraffes don’t have strict territories; instead, they roam vast areas based on food availability. 
9. Unique Spot Patterns – No two giraffes have the same spot pattern, much like human fingerprints. Their spots also help regulate body temperature by acting as heat-release zones.  

And finally the best giraffe fact of all...

10. Newborn giraffes smell like honey! 

Well technically they have can have a slightly sweet scent. This could be due to the amniotic fluid, the mother’s grooming, or even natural oils on their skin. Adult giraffes do have a unique scent overall, often described as musky or slightly sweet due to the presence of natural antimicrobial compounds in their skin. These compounds help keep them free from parasites and infections. So, next time you're at the zoo, consider giving one a sniff!