THE GIRAFFE 



listening intently, and carefully surveying its sur- 

 roundings. At such times its ears and tail are kept 

 quite still for fear any movement of them might 

 betray its presence. 



The Giraffe avoids the dense forests. 



Although so awkward-looking, the Giraffe is 

 capable of galloping at a fair speed, giving a well- 

 mounted rider a good run before he succeeds in 

 overtaking it. When they gallop they move the 

 fore- and hind-limbs of the same side at the same 

 time ; the tail is switched round and curved over 

 the back ; the head and neck swings in a pendulum- 

 like way, and the hind- limbs are straddled. When 

 galloping they remind one of rocking-horses in 

 motion. 



Other than man, the only enemy of the adult 

 Giraffe is the Lion, which usually lies in ambush at 

 its drinking-places. A greater number of females 

 than males fall a prey to this beast, for the reason 

 that they resort to water more frequently to drink 

 than do the males. Two or more lions usually 

 coihbine for an attack. When a single lion springs 

 upon the back of a Giraffe its intended victim at 

 once gallops off, and often succeeds in shaking off 

 its foe before it can succeed in inflicting a fatal 

 injury. The calves are preyed upon by other 

 carnivorous animals, such as the Leopard, Chita and 

 Wild Dog. 



]' The Giraffe has no means of defence other than 

 dcking with its heels. They are mute, but their 

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