The Tallest Animal

Nancy Butler / mongabay.com
The Tallest Animal: Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

The giraffe is the tallest living terrestrial animal in the world, standing 16–20 feet tall and weighing up to 3,500 pounds. Giraffes are known for their long necks, which can grow up to 6 feet and make up almost half of the height, and their legs alone are taller than most adult humans. Giraffes use their height to reach leaves at the top of trees with the help of their massive 21-inch tongue. Although some subspecies of giraffes are endangered, according to the IUCN, they are marked as Least Concern.

Mammal (Even-Toed Ungulate) / The tallest living terrestrial animal (does this count?)

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