View The Rothschild Giraffe While On A Uganda Wildlife Tour

Confusing to early explorers, who described it is a cross between a camel and a leopard the giraffe is certainly an awkward-looking creature. Its swaying gait comes as a result of it moving both left legs simultaneously, followed by both legs; and its favorite food is the hideously spiky acacia, which it strips of leaves using its long, dark purple tongue. Though they are the world’s tallest land mammal-even a new born giraffe stands at six feet (2m)tall-their neck contains just seven vertebrae-exactly the same as a human. Little wonder , then that this curious gentle giant fascinated Africa’s prehistoric inhabitants, who depicted it in cave paintings across the continent. Unfortunately, the giraffe’s unique characteristic also led to them being heavily hunted. Their tails alone were made into bracelets, fly-swatters, threads for sewing and threading beads and the species found in Uganda- Rothschild giraffe-is now one of the most endangered giraffe species, with fewer than 700 individuals remaining in the wild.
By Martin Isiko Travel Consultant