Giraffes - Neck Length: Approx. 8 ft. (2.4 m)

Giraffes are indigenous to Southern and Eastern Africa, regions characterized by protracted droughts and scarcity of food. They can survive in environments where food is naturally scarce and droughts are rather common thanks to their long necks. These long-necked herbivores can reach leaves and buds where other terrestrial browsers can’t (acacias are their favorite).

The neck of a mature male giraffe also referred to as a bull, is the longest in the entire animal kingdom. While an adult male giraffe can have a neck as long as 8 feet, an adult female giraffe can have a neck as long as 7 feet. Giraffe adult males compete for females by using their extraordinarily long necks. During fights, they frequently whip their necks around and strike each other with their massive, skull-like heads. Longer and thicker necks make male giraffes more likely to prevail in battle and secure mating privileges.