Watch the Sighting:
Walter Becker and his parents witnessed this incredible sighting while on safari in Kruger National Park. He recounted that it was an overcast and windy day in the park, and everyone was starting to feel frustrated by the lack of animal activity that day.
Hoping for something exciting, Walter’s group headed to Mlondozi Dam. Little did they know, a dramatic showdown was awaiting them.
When Giants Collide
As they were making their way towards the dam, Walter spotted a pair of giraffes grazing at the side of the road. Relieved to finally have spotted some wildlife, he began to film.
After a few minutes, the unexpected occurred: another male (bull) giraffe started to approach with an aggressive look in his eye. This male clearly wanted to assert his dominance, and Walter knew that the sighting was about to become exciting!
Tension rose in the air as Walter and his parents excitedly waited for one giraffe to make the first move. Finally, after a few minutes had passed, the duel suddenly erupted!
Both giraffes swung their necks wildly, aiming for the other’s vulnerable spots! Walter couldn’t believe the drama unfolding before him!
“I felt excited because I have only seen similar footage on a David Attenborough documentary. I thus knew that this sighting was unique.”
One male would swing while the other attempted to dodge. The roles would then reverse, creating a dance-like spectacle that was deadly in reality.
How Necking Shapes the Social Order of Giraffes
While “necking” may mean one thing to us, it has a different definition in the animal kingdom! For giraffes, necking refers to male combat that arises to establish dominance, test strength, and compete for breeding rights.
While giraffes are often considered gentle and calm animals, these battles can be extremely vicious and sometimes even deadly! The necks of giraffes are their most lethal weapon, as they possess a lot of strength and range of motion.
Giraffes can also head butt and kick their opponent with their hooves to deal additional damage. Most battles end when one giraffe walks away, accepting defeat.
The horns of giraffes (ossicones), paired with the immense striking force of the neck, can create a lethal combination when striking a vulnerable spot.
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Sometimes a battle will end if an opponent is knocked unconscious or even killed! The victorious male wins the respect of other males in the territory, along with a higher chance of mating with females.
Additionally, dominance may determine who gets access to the best feeding spots and reduce the chances of unnecessary conflict in the future.
Takeaways From The Tallest In The Wild
After several minutes of vicious swinging, the battle of the not-so-gentle giants ended. With one final slam, the giraffe nearest Walter’s vehicle knocked the other to the ground, winning the display of dominance.
At that moment, Walter learned that patience pays off while on safari. The wild always holds surprises, and sometimes the most extraordinary moments happen when you least expect them!
This sighting is a reminder that even the most peaceful-looking animals have a fierce side when survival and dominance are at stake.