Do giraffe lie down?

Giraffe were previously thought to primarily rest while standing, but recent studies have shown that they frequently lie down. They often keep their necks upright, but occasionally, they briefly sleep with their heads resting on their rumps, a vulnerable position associated with REM sleep.
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Giraffe were once believed to primarily rest while standing, but recent studies indicate they lie down more frequently.

When lying down, giraffe fold their legs underneath their bodies, often keeping their necks erect. They are known to continue feeding and chewing cud while in this resting posture.

Occasionally, for brief periods of typically no more than five minutes, giraffe may sleep with their heads resting on their rumps. This highly exposed and vulnerable position is rarely observed and only maintained for short intervals. Research conducted in zoos reveals that giraffe achieve REM sleep when in this posture.

Did you know?

Giraffe populations have declined by up to 95% in some areas.

In the BBC documentary “Giraffe: Africa’s Gentle Giants”—featuring GCF’s important work in Africa—Sir David Attenborough referred to this decline as a “Silent Extinction.” These alarming numbers serve as a reminder that we need to protect giraffe now before it is too late.

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