“Ever wonder about the silent giants among us?” I ask. Today we are face to face with the Giraffes here in Montreal. These artworks capture the essence of these amazing creatures.
Giraffes are truly unique animals. Africa is the only continent where they roam freely in the wild. They have co-existed with humans for centuries. Ancient Egyptians depicted them in art. Masters like Salvador Dali also immortalized them.
Each giraffe has a unique spot pattern. These spots are like fingerprints. No two giraffes share the same design. The spots aren’t just for show. They help giraffes regulate their body temperature. A giraffe’s spots release heat.
Giraffes are social animals. They live in herds called towers. These towers consist of fifteen to twenty members. Giraffe towers often separate by gender. Young males form their own groups. Young females stay with their mothers. Female giraffes share the responsibility of caring for the young. One giraffe acts as a babysitter.
Giraffes communicate in interesting ways. Sometimes they use sounds too low for humans to hear. They hum to each other at night. Some say it sounds like a silent lullaby. Giraffes also make audible noises. Mothers may whistle to their young with a flute-like sound.
A giraffe’s neck can grow over seven feet long. Amazingly, they have the same number of vertebrae as humans. The difference lies in the length of each vertebra. Giraffe vertebrae are about eleven inches long. Their long necks help them spot danger. They get a better view of their surroundings.
Giraffes face a challenge when drinking. Their necks are too short to reach the ground. They must splay their legs to reach water. This makes them vulnerable to predators. Giraffes often drink in pairs. One stands guard while the other drinks. Then they switch.
Giraffes are herbivores. They eat leaves, fruits, and flowers. Acacia trees are a favorite food. Giraffes have long tongues and thick lips. These protect them from the tree’s thorns. Giraffes can eat up to 75 pounds of food a day. They spend up to 18 hours searching for food. These amazing giraffes get most of their water from plants. They can go for days without drinking.
I hope you now feel a deeper connection to these sculptures of Giraffes. They remind us of the real animals. They deserve our respect and protection.