Masai Giraffe Facts, Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle, Pictures

Masai Giraffe Facts, Diet, Habitant, Life Cycle, Predators, Top Speed, & More

Masai Giraffes are some of the most majestic creatures in East Africa.

There are a lot of interesting facts about these animals, which we have looked at below.

Lifespan of the Masai Giraffes

Masai Giraffe typically live for between 15 to 25 years in the wild.

In captivity, the Masai Giraffe can be expected to live up to 30 years.

Diet of the Masai Giraffes

Giraffes in the wild are browsers and eat only leaves, flowers and fruits from trees and bushes.

In order to compensate for their poor nutrition, these giraffes have a slow metabolic rate, which allows them to survive on lower quality food.

Distribution & Habitat of the Masai Giraffes in Kenya

Masai Giraffes are mainly found in the savannahs of Kenya but can also be found in neighboring Tanzania.

They prefer grassy plains and open woodlands where they can roam freely.

And they are usually found in herds of between 10 to 15 individuals, led by a dominant male.

Predators of the Masai Giraffe in the Wild

The giraffe is a rare prey with its natural predators being leopards, lions and hyenas.

These predators will typically prey on weak or sick Masai Giraffes in the wild.

Mature and healthy giraffes can easily kill their predators with a single kick.

Mating and Reproduction of the Giraffe Kenya 

Masai Giraffes reach sexual maturity at the age of 4 to 5 years. Males will fight for dominance and mating rights, but the females will ultimately choose their mates.

The female typically give birth to one calf after a gestation period of 15 to 17 months.

The calf will stay with the mother for up to 18 months before leaving to form its own herd.

Physical Description of the Masai Giraffes

Giraffes can reach up to 18 feet in height and weigh between 1,600 and 2,400 pounds.

They have a unique pattern of spots on their coats and long necks and legs.

They are one of the largest of all African mammal species and even animals in different parts of the world.

Giraffe Lifespan – Life Cycle of the Masai Giraffes in Kenya

The Masai Giraffes in Kenya have an average life cycle of 15 to 25 years.

The males reach sexual maturity at the age of 4 to 5 years and the females at 6 to 7 years.

As Masai Giraffes age, the color of their coats become lighter and they often have fewer spots on their bodies.

Top Masai Giraffe Speed in Kenya 

The top speed of giraffe is around 35 miles per hour. This makes them one of the fastest land animals – It is the second fastest animal after the cheetah.

At this speed, Masai Giraffes can easily run from the dangers and even outrun most of their predators in the wild.

They can also cover large distances quickly if they are in search of food.

It is one of the reasons Masai Giraffes can live and are able to survive in the wild.

Behavior of the Masai Giraffes

Masai Giraffes are typically peaceful and passive by nature, but they can become aggressive when provoked.

They are social animals and are usually found in a group of 10-15 members, led by the dominant male.

A giraffe can communicate with its colleague using various vocalizations, and even sniff each other’s coats as a way to identify individuals.

Masai Giraffes also have a unique method of drinking, which involves them standing on their hind legs and stretching out their necks.

They are also known to rub against trees and rocks to scratch themselves and remove parasites from their skin.

Giraffes are shy and nervous animals that prefer to keep a distance from humans.

So it is important to respect their space and not approach them too closely when in the wild.

The scientific name of a giraffe is Giraffa camelopardalis. The first name, “Masai” comes from their unique pattern of spots and the Masai people who inhabit Kenya.