Giraffes by nature are quiet animals whose physicality is their primary method of communication.

Giraffe Facts
1. “A running giraffe pumps its neck back and forth to keep its balance and increase its speed” (Parker 16);
2. When a giraffe paces “the front and back left legs move forward at almost the same time, followed by the front and back right legs” (16);
3. They spread their front legs to allow them to get close enough to the ground to drink (29).
4. The giraffe is also an interesting subject for puppetry as it favours body language to sound when communicating. For instance “necking” is a technique, which bull giraffe use to show dominance and claim a mate (27).
5. A startled giraffe will hold its body motionless and stare. The only movement comes from it pawing the ground or swishing its tail to signal danger to other giraffes (19).

Parker, Barbara Keevil. Giraffes. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 2005. Print