Giraffes have a relatively short gestation period of about 15 months. The female gives birth standing up, and the calf drops to the ground, breaking the umbilical cord. The calf is up and walking within an hour of birth.
Giraffes are not territorial, and females and their young often form loose groups called "nursery herds". The females take turns nursing the calves, and they all help to protect the young from predators.
Giraffe calves are born with pale fur that helps to camouflage them in the dappled sunlight of the African savanna. They gradually develop their dark, spotted coats as they grow older.
Giraffe calves are weaned at about 10 months of age, but they may stay with their mothers for up to two years. By the time they are three years old, giraffes are fully grown and ready to start their own families.
Here are some specific examples of parental care in giraffes:
- Mothers stay close to their newborn calves for the first few days, protecting them from predators and helping them to find food and water.
- Mothers nurse their calves for up to 10 months.
- Female giraffes form nursery herds to help protect their young from predators.
- Giraffe calves learn how to survive by watching and imitating their mothers.