Lions steal and kill a baby giraffe, Rate My Science

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The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. Its specific name refers to its camel-like face and and the patches of color on its fur, which bear a vague resemblance to a leopard's spots. The giraffe is noted for its extremely long neck and legs, as well as its horn-like ossicones. It stands 5--6 m (16--20 ft) tall and has an average weight of 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) for males and 830 kg (1,800 lb) for females. A 2007 study on the genetics of six subspecies—the West African, Rothschild, reticulated, Maasai, Angolan and South African giraffe—suggests that they may in fact be separate species. Giraffe gestation lasts 400--460 days, after which a single calf is normally born, although twins occur on rare occasions. Within a few hours of birth, the calf can run around and is almost indistinguishable from a one-week-old. However, for the first 1--3 weeks, it spends most of its time hiding. Calves are at risk of predation, and a mother giraffe will stand over her calf and kick at an approaching predator.