The majestic grace of the giraffe, the tallest animal on Earth, makes it one of the animals most appreciated by tourists. This megavore has a head height exceeding five metres, three antlers, three blood systems and split hooves. The name giraffe is derived from the Arab word “xirapha” meaning “fast walking”. The species name refers to “camelo” after the appearance of the sub-Saharan camel Camelus bactrianus and “pardalis” the rosette skin pattern of the leopard Panthera pardus. The Afrikaans name encompasses both the appearance of the camel and the action of a galloping horse.
