How Long is a Giraffe Pregnant?

The Basics

A giraffe's pregnancy lasts anywhere from 14 to 17 months on average, according to the San Diego Zoo. That's significantly longer than the average human pregnancy, which is typically 40 weeks or nine months long. The lengthy time frame is due in part to the size of the baby giraffe, which weighs an average of 100 to 150 pounds at birth.

Signs of Pregnancy

A female giraffe's body will become noticeably larger prior to birth. During the final stage of pregnancy, a giraffe may also lose her appetite. She may also become more aggressive as she is getting closer to giving birth.

The Delivery Process

Giraffes typically give birth standing up, and the baby falls from a height of around six feet. At birth, the baby is already two feet tall, and is able to stand within an hour. The mother will then lick the baby clean and lick off the amniotic sac.

Post-Delivery Care

The baby will begin to suckle within the first hour after birth and will start to eat solid food within a few weeks. The baby will stay primarily with its mother for the first year, but will begin to socialize with other giraffes. The baby will also start to establish its own individual home range within the first year.

When do Giraffes Reproduce?

Giraffes typically reproduce when they reach the age of three to five years old. During the mating season, males will compete for access to females by engaging in necking battles, in which they swing their necks at each other. The winner will then be able to mate with the female.

Giraffe Conservation

Giraffe populations have been in decline over the past few decades due to poaching, habitat loss, and other human-related activities. It is estimated that the total population of giraffes is around 100,000. Conservation efforts are being made to help protect the species, but more needs to be done to ensure their long-term survival.

Conclusion

Giraffes usually have a pregnancy that lasts 14 to 17 months. During the final stage of pregnancy, a female giraffe's body will become noticeably larger, and she may start to show signs of aggression. At birth, the baby is already two feet tall, and can stand within an hour. The baby will remain with the mother for the first year, and will begin to establish its own individual home range during the same period. Giraffes typically reproduce when they reach the age of three to five years old, but their populations have been in decline in recent years due to human-related activities. Conservation efforts are being made to help protect the species.