1. Necking: The male giraffe, called a bull, engages in a behavior known as necking. He stretches his neck and uses his head to gently nudge and caress the female giraffe, called a cow. This behavior is a way for the bull to gauge the cow's interest and receptiveness.
2. Parallel Walking: If the cow shows some interest, the bull will walk parallel to her, keeping their necks intertwined. This behavior is also known as "giraffe petting." The bull may continue this behavior for an extended period, sometimes for several hours or even days.
3. Flehmen Response: During the parallel walk, the bull will periodically perform the Flehmen response. This involves curling the upper lip and exposing the vomeronasal organ located in the roof of his mouth. The bull collects chemical signals, including pheromones, from the cow's urine and saliva, which he analyzes using his vomeronasal organ. This helps him assess her reproductive status and receptivity.
4. Mock Fights: As the courtship progresses, the bull and cow may engage in mock fights or sparring matches. These contests involve playfully pushing and shoving each other with their necks, using them like swords in slow-motion fencing. These fights are not aggressive but serve as a way for the giraffe pair to strengthen their bond and test each other's strength and compatibility.
5. Mounting and Mating: Once the cow is receptive, the bull will mount her. Due to the significant height difference between giraffes, the bull positions his front legs on the cow's back and his hind legs on the ground, creating a stable mating platform. The mating process typically lasts only a few seconds.
It's noteworthy that giraffes are selective when choosing their mating partners. They pay attention to various factors such as physical characteristics, age, social status, and even genetic compatibility. Dominant males, which have established themselves through their strength and neck battles, often have more mating opportunities.
Giraffe courtship and mating are crucial for the continuation of their species. Successful courtship leads to reproduction and the birth of new calves, ensuring the survival of these majestic creatures in the African savannah.