Giraffes are known for their towering stature and distinctive patterns. While adult giraffes command attention with their impressive height, the early life of a baby giraffe, or calf, is equally fascinating. From birth, these young animals exhibit characteristics that prepare them for a life in the wild, showcasing rapid development and growth.
Initial Size at Birth
A newborn giraffe calf stands around 6 feet (1.8 to 1.9 meters) tall, comparable to the height of an average adult human. These calves typically weigh between 100 and 200 pounds (45 to 90 kilograms). The mother gives birth standing up, resulting in the calf falling approximately 5 to 6 feet to the ground. This drop breaks the umbilical cord and stimulates the calf’s first breath.
First Steps and Early Agility
The immediate capabilities of a newborn giraffe calf are crucial for their survival. Within an hour of birth, a calf is typically able to stand on its long, wobbly legs, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Soon after standing, they begin taking their first steps, and within the same day, they can run alongside their mother. This rapid mobility is an evolutionary adaptation, allowing the calf to quickly keep pace with the herd and avoid predators like lions, which pose a significant threat to young giraffes. The mother may even nudge or gently kick the calf to encourage it to get on its feet quickly.
Remarkable Growth in Infancy
Building on their impressive birth size, baby giraffes exhibit a rapid growth rate during their infancy. Within their first year, a calf can nearly double its birth height, growing up to 4 feet (about 1.2 meters). This rapid development is evident from the earliest days, with calves gaining up to 2.5 centimeters (approximately 1 inch) in height each day during their first week and over 20 pounds a week, with average daily weight gains ranging from 764 to 1,239 grams during their first two months. Calves rely on their mother’s milk for approximately 9 to 12 months, though they begin experimenting with solid foods around four months of age. This swift growth helps them reach the towering adult height that allows them to browse on high vegetation.