The GIRAFE

The GIRAFE

In nature there are 9 subspecies of giraffes. At the Auvergne animal park, you can see 3 of them: the giraffe of Rothschildthe giraffe of Kordofan and the giraffe reticular.

They are recognized by their tasks:

• The two Rothschild giraffes have very very dark brown spots with rather spaced and beige lines
• The reticulated giraffe has very contrasting lines with the spots
• The Kordofan giraffe is much fuzzier in marking, much more orange-yellow.

The characteristics of the giraffe

• A very powerful heart. For the blood to reach the brain, there needs to be a fairly efficient pump, given his long neck.
• 7 cervical vertebrae like the human, each vertebra measures about 40 centimeters.
• A tongue of 45 centimeters to easily catch the leaves in the trees, in particular the leaves of the acacias which they adore.
• A blue tongue to avoid getting sunburn when she eats the leaves at the top of the trees

What are those famous cornillons on his head for?

This bony growth of the skull, called ossicones, is used for the males for the fight. In the wild males will fight for females, they will neck and slap each other to try to win the heart of the female.

The giraffe is an endangered animal

She is threatened by the reduction of its habitat because of the man who encroaches a little on his territory. She is too poached as a hunting trophy.

To see Rothschild’s giraffes, the reticulated giraffe and the Kordofan giraffe from the animal park of Auvergne, direction the African plain (n°4 and 6), where they live with zebras, gazelles, cobé and oryx

The Auvergne animal park of Ardes sur Couze

The Auvergne animal park has been committed since 2012 to the protection of endangered species. You will discover species in danger of extinction. The park also financially supports wildlife protection programs around the world. 1€ of your ticket is donated to Play for Nature to support these programs

To discover the 350 animals of 65 different species and prepare your visit, head to the site of the Auvergne animal park in Ardes sur Couze. The park is open all summer from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Please note that pets are not allowed in the park.

Of many activities with animals are offered to you: day caretaker, family safari, privileged encounter…and new for 2022: breakfast with the animals before the park opens!

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Mushu, Oshi and company on Saturday and Sunday at 8:10 a.m. on France Bleu Pays d’Auvergne with Patricia Farat and Léa, Clémence, Hélène, carers at the Auvergne animal park