Giraffes are herbivores whose diet consists almost entirely of leaves, twigs, and buds from trees.
Daily Feeding
- Giraffes spend 16-20 hours a day grazing.
- They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
- They prefer acacia trees but will eat other trees, shrubs, and fruit.
- A giraffe can consume up to 75 pounds of foliage daily.
Unique Adaptations
Long necks reach high leaves, prehensile tongues up to 21 inches grasp foliage, specialized teeth tear and grind leaves, and low water intake because they get hydration from leaves.
Feeding in Captivity
Zoos typically feed a variety of trees and shrubs, plus hay, pellets, and supplements.