What Are the Social Needs of a Baby Giraffe?

The tallest land animal in the world, the giraffe can measure up to 18 feet in height. When first born, the baby giraffe stands about 6 feet tall. The mother giraffe gives birth in a standing position; the newborn falls five feet to the ground below. Within 30 minutes of birth, the baby can successfully stand beside its mother. In approximately 10 hours, the newborn can run beside its mother.

  1. Mother and Baby

    • The mother giraffe guards her baby fiercely. She will position herself between it and a predator. During the baby's first week of life, it spends a great deal of time laying down. The mother giraffe will often leave her baby in the care of another female herd member, while she seeks food or water. The young giraffe will spend the day playing with other calves under the watchful eye of an adult female. By 2 months of age, the baby giraffe can successfully consume foliage, but nurses until about 3 months old. The mother giraffe will only nurse her own baby. By 6 months, the giraffe can live independently.

    Herd Life

    • The giraffe lives in herds made up mostly of related females. Herds range in size from six members to 40. Male and females come together to breed. A male giraffe will continue to live in the herd until it reaches about 3 years of age, then it will break away to join a bachelor group. The female giraffe will usually spend her life in the herd of her birth.

    Herd Interaction

    • Young calves bond closely with age-related peers, according to the Davidson Biology Department. During the calf's first year of life, it will bump noses with other calves, lick, rub and nuzzle other calves. The young calves will also play fight with each other by kicking and butting each other. Play fighting begins between calves at only one month old. The young calves also enjoy running with each other. Adult giraffes will also spend time with calves by nuzzling and licking them.

    Sexual Maturity and Life Span

    • The male giraffe reaches sexual maturity at 4 years old. In the bachelor herd, the young giraffe spends its time sparring with other males. It twines its neck, spars with its horns and learns fighting skills. As the male becomes dominant, a herd hierarchy begins. Most male giraffes will not breed until they reach about 8 years old. Female giraffes will breed at 4 years old. The giraffe can live up to 25 years.