About the Author

Jess Shillaw

Contributor

Jess was born in Kwazulu/Natal but grew up in Cape Town. Having an innate love for all things wild but getting to spend little time in the bush while growing up, she headed straight for the Lowveld after school. She completed a guiding ...

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7 Comments

on Why do Giraffes Have Spots?

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Valmai Vorster
Master Tracker

Good story about the giraffe patterns and it is very interesting. Look at the different pattern of the Masai calf compared to our giraffe calf. You have explained the patterns of the giraffe’s perfectly. Thanks Jess.

Chelsea Allard
Master Tracker

I absolutely adore giraffes, but I always wondered how a +20’ tall animal could be camouflaged so well that you miss seeing it, especially given how easily humans distinguish between complementary colors. But then when we visited we were watching a pair of young bulls play sparing. During the sighting, there were no other giraffes around – or so I thought. While editing my photos I realized there was a third giraffe in my frame the whole time, but it was so well camouflaged behind a thick bush that I never even noticed.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Exactly ;)`
The camouflage probably helps more when they are young, and instead of rendering them completely invisible, rather just buys them some time…

Wian Eloff
Explorer

Giraffes are my mothers favorite animals. Interesting thing about their spots. I learn so much on this blog. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Paul Canales
Master Tracker

Lovely post Jess! The various patterns of animals in the wild continue to engage and fascinate the imagination. And as you stated perfectly, ignite further questions and study!!

Karin Webber
Explorer

Very interesting Jess!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

To our benefit, the simple question of “why” has provided us with some factual answers about the
differences in giraffes’ spots. But, no matter the scientific facts, giraffes are inherently beautiful and a joy to watch.

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