The giraffe (Giraffa) is the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant, native to the African savannahs and woodlands. Belonging to the family Giraffidae, they are closely related to the okapi. Giraffes are famous for their long necks, legs, and horn-like ossicones, as well as their distinctive spotted coat patterns, which serve as camouflage and vary by species or subspecies.

Typically feeding on acacia leaves and other high vegetation, they can reach heights of up to 19 feet (5.7 meters). Giraffes live in loose social groups and are non-territorial. Male giraffes often engage in "necking" battles to establish dominance and mating rights. Despite their size, giraffes have adapted specialized cardiovascular systems to pump blood to their brains and to prevent fainting when bending down to drink water.

Giraffes are classified as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN due to habitat loss and poaching, with populations now concentrated in protected reserves. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining their habitats and managing populations in the wild and captivity.