Skip to Content

The Tallest Giraffes Ever Recorded

Published:

Author:
Author Josie Messeter

Wild African giraffe in savanna trees, Kruger Park, South Africa
Wild African giraffe in savanna trees, Kruger Park, South Africa. Image via Depositphotos.

Even the smallest giraffe towers over us with their long and graceful necks – let’s meet the tallest giraffes ever recorded! Giraffes are known for their incredible height, distinctive spotted coat, and – above all – their lengthy and graceful neck.  We’re about to introduce you to the undisputed titan of giraffes – a record-breaker who’s not just a head above the rest but a neck too! And let’s not forget about our runner-up in this extraordinary competition.

Iconic Animals

These iconic animals are native to the African continent, where they can roam the grasslands and savannas in small herds. Although their long eyelashes and big eyes make them adorable, it is their towering height that makes them truly unique: giraffes are the tallest animals ever recorded, with an average height of 18 feet (5.5 meters).

The Two Tallest Giraffes Ever Recorded

#1 George

Giraffes
Group giraffe in National park of Kenya, Africa. Image via Byrdyak, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

George, the tallest giraffe ever recorded, stood at an astounding 19 feet (5.8 meters) and lived at Chester Zoo in the 1950s. Known for his gentle demeanor and playful personality, he quickly became a favorite among visitors, who were captivated by his size and charm. His keepers provided him with excellent care, including a nutritious diet and enrichment activities, ensuring he thrived in the zoo environment. George lived a long, happy life and became a beloved figure, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire awe and admiration for giraffes worldwide.

#2 Forest

tallest giraffe ever recorded
Forest the Giraffe. Image via Guinness World Records

George remains the tallest giraffe ever recorded, but Forest, a male giraffe from Australia Zoo, came remarkably close, measuring 18 feet 8 inches (5.7 meters) tall when he was recognized as the second tallest by Guinness World Records in July 2020. Like George, Forest was known for his gentle nature and engaging personality, becoming a beloved figure at the zoo. Sadly, he passed away in 2020 due to a degenerative condition, but his legacy endures as a testament to the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom, inspiring wonder and admiration among those who remember him.

Why are Giraffes So Tall?

giraffe
Giraffe. Image by sk via Pexels

Giraffes are the tallest land animals, typically reaching heights between 14 to 18 feet (4.3 to 5.5 meters), with males often being taller than females, who average around 14 feet (4.3 meters). Their impressive height allows them to access leaves from tall trees, providing a dietary advantage. Giraffes have long necks that extend their reach up to 20 feet (6 meters), enabling them to thrive in areas with sparse foliage. Their lightweight skeletal structure, with elongated bones, supports their massive bodies, allowing for graceful movement. Evolution has shaped these adaptations, helping them survive and evade predators in changing environments.

Interesting Giraffe Facts

the tallest giraffe ever recorded
Giraffe in the trees. Image via Pexels

Giraffes, the majestic giants of the savannah, are remarkable creatures with several captivating traits. Despite having the same number of neck vertebrae as most mammals, each vertebra stretches over 10 inches (25 cm), giving them their iconic long necks. These sociable animals gather in groups called “towers,” ranging from a few to over 20 individuals. Their long tongues, which can extend up to 18 inches (45 cm), enable them to snack on high-hanging leaves. Each giraffe has a unique coat pattern, much like human fingerprints. Surprisingly agile, they can sprint up to 35 miles (56 km) per hour and sleep standing up, requiring only 30 minutes of rest each day to stay vigilant in the wild.

The Bottom Line

the tallest giraffe ever recorded
Two Giraffes walking in the Savannah. Image via Pexels

Giraffes are remarkable animals, celebrated for their impressive height and unique features. George, the tallest giraffe ever recorded, reached 19 feet (5.88 meters) and charmed many with his cheeky personality. Not far behind is Forest, the second tallest, measuring 18 feet 8 inches (5.8 meters). Their towering stature allows giraffes to access high foliage and keep an eye out for predators. Despite their height, they are graceful and agile, capable of running at impressive speeds. Giraffes also exhibit fascinating social behaviors and have distinctive coat patterns, making them a unique and endlessly intriguing species.

Thank you for reading this article on the tallest giraffe ever recorded!

Latest posts by Josie Messeter (see all)