According to a Naples zoo keeper, female giraffes live together in herds. The male giraffes leave at puberty, live on their own and visit the females when they want some lovin’.
On a warm afternoon the giraffes took their turn eating endive right from the hands of visitors. A young girl shyly offered a giraffe a treat while her mom enthusiastically took photos, blocking a good shot, but definitely made a good memory.
One giraffe was 16 feet tall. The protrusions from their heads are not horns, but rather knobs to protect their heads. I was impressed how gently and languidly they moved. They enjoyed a shower from a hose. One rubbed the back of her head against a tree branch.
Notice how long and dextrous their tongues are! What a treat to have a telephoto lens and have the viewing stand so close to these beautiful creatures!