Unknown to many, giraffes have fascinating mating rituals. During these, the interaction between the male and female giraffe is a dynamic, active display, which is as impressive as it is memorable.
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While visitors to reserves often set their sights on spotting the Big Five on a drive, sometimes, more common species can present just as interesting a sighting. This was the case when Gunnar and those with him came across two giraffes in the bushveld in the morning hours.
Giraffes Caught In The Act Of Mating
Gunnar explains that he and a small group of tourists, together with their driver and a guide, witnessed the colourful interaction of a male and female giraffe while on holiday in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
They had gone out on an early morning game drive when they came across the two animals, already in the act of mating.
The male had mounted the female, and owing to the pair of animals’ impressive stature, the sight was breathtaking.
They stayed watching the giraffes for almost half an hour. The tall lovebirds stood apart at intervals before commencing with mating.
Gunnar explains they kept the vehicle still so as not to disturb them. The two giraffes clearly meant business, and it would have been out of line to put a dampener on their loving interactions.
Giraffes Display Typical Mating Ritual Behaviour
“We stayed very quiet in order not to scare them away,” said Gunnar.
He explains the giraffes came together, and then parted momentarily, before coming together again.
“They mated several times during the period that we were there,” he said.
All the while, the vehicle remained still and quiet. The intimacy of the moment warranted the viewers’ respect.
A Larger-Than-Life Courting Display
There is nothing subtle about giraffe courtship behavior. It is initiated by the male, which will let the female know he is ready to mate. He might do this by resting his chin on her back. Or he might tap at her hind leg.
It’s all very suggestive and perhaps, for a female giraffe, somehow romantic. Which female wouldn’t want a male to lovingly rest his head on her back?
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
As part of the courtship ritual, the male will also persistently follow the female, and attempt to mount her… a little less romantic and perhaps somewhat forward… but if you are a giraffe, it is all routine swooning behaviour.
Gunnar recalled the moment, which possibly left all of the occupants of the vehicle blushing. “This was the first time I ever experienced anything like this,” he said. “I have seen lions mating on numerous occasions, but the giraffe mating ritual was really special.” To witness two giraffes mating really is a rare sighting.
Male giraffes can reach heights of 4,8 to 5,5 metres, and female giraffes, heights of 4,3 to 4,8 metres. The sheer height of the two giraffes and their coming together made for a larger-than-life viewing experience.
“I still get goosebumps…” said Gunnar.