Giraffes

This passage discusses giraffes and how they live.

Lexile Level: 720L

Categories: Animals & Nature

Giraffes are one of the tallest animals in the world. A full-grown giraffe is about 18 feet tall. A baby giraffe is six feet tall at birth. A baby giraffe grows an inch a day. A giraffe's neck is about seven feet tall. Their height and good vision are important factors in their survival. They eat leaves from the tops of trees. While grazing, they constantly scan the grasslands, where they live in Africa, for predators. They warn one another when lions and other threats come into view. Giraffes can defend themselves by kicking their powerful front legs. They can also run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Giraffes are in the most danger when they bend over to drink water. Sometimes they go for several days without drinking. Most giraffes can live for more than 25 years.