The giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis) is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest of all land-living animal species, and the largest ruminant.  It is covered in large, irregular patches of yellow to black fur separated by white, off-white, or dark yellowish brown background.  The average mass for an adult male giraffe is 1,191 kilograms (2,630 lb) while the average mass for an adult female is 828 kilograms (1,830 lb).  It is approximately 4.3 meters (14 ft) to 5.2 meters (17 ft) tall, although the tallest male recorded stood almost 6 meters (20 ft).  The giraffe is related to deer and cattle, but is placed in a separate family, the Giraffidae, consisting of only the giraffe and its closest relative, the okapi.  Its range extends from Chad in Central Africa to South Africa.
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	Giraffes have long necks which they use to browse tree leaves.  They possess seven vertebrae in the neck (the usual number for a mammal) that are elongated.  The vertebrae are separated by highly flexible joints.  The base of the neck has spines which project upward and form a hump over the shoulders.  They have anchor muscles that hold the neck upright.
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