The Daily Beast - Sept 30, 2010 - From the Photo Desk

09/30/2010

The Daily Beast - Sept 30, 2010

A baby female Masai Giraffe who has been named Shani, after being born three weeks ago at the Los Angeles Zoo, on September 24, 2010. MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Able to stand shortly after birth, calves can grow four feet during their first year and when fully grown can reach a height of 18 feet, making them the tallest land mammal.

Native to Kenya and Tanzania, Masai giraffes can reach a speed of 35 miles per hour with kicks so powerful that theyre capable of decapitating a lion.

Giraffes communicate with one another through posturing, movement and carriage of their tails, retreat and sometimes vocalization, which includes moos, bellows and whistles.

Shani (C), stands beside her mother Naema (R), and another juvenile.

Shani, gets an affectionate nuzzle from her mother Naema.

Posted by at 06:35:05 PM in Animals, The Daily Beast

Comments

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ahh, she's so cute!

Posted by: Ang | 10/01/2010 at 06:47 AM

Lovely creatures, and beautiful photos. Thanks.

Posted by: Elyse | 10/01/2010 at 09:03 AM

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09/30/2010