The giraffe is an iconic African mammal, instantly recognizable by its towering height and distinctive spotted coat, which allows it to browse on vegetation other animals cannot reach. Its long legs and neck make it the tallest land animal on Earth, an adaptation that dictates much of its behavior, including reproduction. While many people know the general appearance of this gentle giant, the specific term for its young is often overlooked. The story of a giraffe’s entrance into the world is dramatic, followed by rapid development and maternal protection.
Defining the Young
A baby giraffe is officially called a calf, a term it shares with the young of several other large mammals, including cattle, elephants, and whales. This designation is fitting, given the sheer size of the newborn, which often stands around six feet (1.8 meters) tall upon arrival and weighs between 100 to 150 pounds (45 to 68 kilograms). The adult female is referred to as a cow, and the adult male as a bull, further linking them to bovine terminology.
When multiple giraffes gather, the collective noun is often a “tower,” a descriptive term that reflects their impressive stature as they loom over the savanna. Though the more generic zoological term “herd” is scientifically accurate for these social groups, the poetic “tower” remains a popular descriptor. The calf’s integration into this group is crucial for its immediate and long-term survival.
The Dramatic Entry into the World
The giraffe cow carries her young for an extended gestation period of approximately 15 months, ensuring the calf is highly developed and precocial at birth. When labor begins, the mother remains standing, a behavior that leads to one of the most abrupt and challenging births in the animal kingdom. As the calf emerges, it free-falls approximately six feet (1.8 to 2 meters) to the ground below.
This welcome serves a biological purpose, as the sudden impact helps to break the amniotic sac and stimulate the newborn’s breathing. The shock of the landing is also thought to encourage the calf’s motor functions, initiating the immediate need to stand. The calf is born in a “superman” position, emerging front legs and head first. Within the first hour of life, the calf is typically making attempts to stand, a feat essential for avoiding predators.
Early Life and Rapid Development
The speed of the calf’s development is a direct response to the threat of predators such as lions and hyenas. A successful standing and walking attempt often occurs within the first hour, and the calf may be running within two to four hours of birth. This rapid mobility allows the calf to keep pace with its mother and the rest of the tower, providing safety in numbers.
The mother’s first action is vigorous grooming, which not only cleans the calf but also stimulates blood circulation and reduces the scent that could attract carnivores. The calf must nurse within the first few hours to receive colostrum, which is rich in the antibodies necessary for immune defense. Calves remain dependent on their mother’s milk for up to a year, although they begin sampling solid foods like leaves around four months of age.
Giraffe cows often employ a survival strategy known as a “crèche” or nursery group, where several calves are left together. While the mothers forage nearby, one or two adult females remain to guard the group, allowing the other mothers to feed more efficiently. Despite these protective measures, more than 50% of calves may not survive their first year in areas with high predator densities. Male calves typically leave their mothers around 15 months, while females may stay close to their natal tower longer.