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 

 combine 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 

 kicking vnth its heels. They are mute, but their 



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