- Long neck: Giraffes have extremely long necks, which can be up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) long. Their long necks help them reach high vegetation for food and give them a vantage point to spot predators.
- Tall height: Giraffes are known for their tall stature. They are the tallest land animals on Earth. Adult giraffes can reach heights of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) tall. Their long legs and neck contribute to their exceptional height.
- Spotted coat: Giraffes have unique coat patterns characterized by large, irregular patches of various colors. The patterns vary among individuals and can range from light yellow to dark brown or even blackish. Their spots help them camouflage in their natural environment.
- Large eyes: Giraffes have large, dark, and expressive eyes positioned on either side of their heads. Their eyes provide excellent binocular vision, enabling them to detect potential predators or threats from a distance.
- Horn-like structures: Giraffes have two horn-like structures covered in skin called ossicones. These ossicones are present on the top of their head and are more pronounced in males than in females. They are not antlers and are not shed like antlers in deer.
- Long tongue: Giraffes possess a long, prehensile tongue that can be up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) long. Their tongue helps them reach leaves and buds on tall trees and strip vegetation for food.
- Lanky body: Giraffes have long and slender bodies. Their legs are particularly long, allowing them to take large strides. Their bodies are adapted for efficient movement and energy conservation in their natural habitats.
It's important to note that giraffes have slight variations in appearance between different subspecies, with some subspecies exhibiting unique characteristics in their coat patterns or neck proportions.