How Do Giraffes Sleep?

Baby Giraffes

Giraffes are the tallest recorded animal, and baby giraffes are no exception. Called calves, young giraffes are born 6 feet tall and grow 12 inches each month for the first three months. They often double their height in the first year. It takes only 30 minutes for a calf to learn to stand, and four to five days for it to walk well. For the first week of life, baby giraffes spend most of their time sitting on the ground and being hidden by their mothers. Older calves stay in groups with other calves, called creches, during the days and are rejoined by their mothers at night.

Adult Giraffes

Adult giraffes can be up to 18 feet tall, with the neck up to 6 feet long. Adult giraffes do not sleep much. Some scientists estimate they sleep only a half hour to an hour each day in 5-minute naps during the night. During sleep they rest their neck on their hind legs but usually remain standing. Their necks make an arch over their backs. Giraffes can get down to the ground, but it is not easy. Sitting down or standing up from the ground is difficult, as giraffes must sway with their neck and back to keep balance. Though they only sleep for an hour, giraffes may rest with their necks down for longer periods at night. Because their height is a defense against predators. it's smart for giraffes to remain standing.

Standing in Defense

Height is a giraffe's top defense. By standing so tall they can see for long ways, which helps in spotting predators as well as keeping their kin in sight. Even so, about half of newborn giraffes fall prey to lions during the first year. Height also helps giraffes find a wider variety of food. This is important, because an adult giraffe can eat up to 140 pounds of foliage a day. Standing while sleeping also makes it easier for giraffes to flee if a predator is spotted during the night. Giraffes run up to 35 mph, which gives adults a fighting chance to escape predators.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Giraffe Facts