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Dramatic Birth
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After a gestation period of between 400 and 450 days, pregnant giraffes usually give birth to a single calf. Twin calves are sometimes born, but this is a rare occurrence. The mother stands while giving birth, meaning the embryonic sack can fall from a height of 6 feet or more. The sack bursts upon reaching the ground, and a healthy baby giraffe can usually stand within a short time of being born. The baby also quickly finds its mother's milk supply.
First Food
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The newborn giraffe will begin suckling from its mother as soon as it can stand underneath the mother and feed. The baby, which may stand 6 feet tall at birth, will continue to use its mother's milk as the main food supply for up to a year or more. The milk contains all the proper nutrients for a young, growing giraffe, which can grow 9 inches taller just during the first month of life.
Sampling Solid Food
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At about 4 months of age, giraffes may begin sampling leaves and possibly nibble on grass and fruit. With a growth rate that can reach 1 inch per day, a young giraffe needs to feed regularly in order to give its growing body the nutrition it needs. Milk remains a constant food source during these early months of life, but the giraffe will steadily move to leaves as it grows.
Grownup Fare
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As young giraffes mature, it stops suckling and devotes its feeding habits exclusively to staples of the species. Leaves of the acacia tree are a favorite of giraffes, who use their long tongues to grasp the leaves while avoiding the tree's thorns. A mature giraffe can consume 60 lbs. or more of leaves and twigs each day. Giraffes are ruminants, meaning they chew and swallow their food, then regurgitate the semi-digested food and chew it again.
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