Kissed by a Giraffe

While spending a few days with my cousin in Southern California, we spent some time at the ‘Living Desert.’ I really enjoyed it—especially getting snuggled by a giraffe, the tallest land mammals on planet earth. This one was an 18 foot tall male with legs about six feet long—longer than I am tall! No wonder they run as fast as 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour over short distances and cruise comfortably at 10 miles (16 kilometers) an hour over longer distances.). Weighing in at 1800 pounds, he was unbelievably gentle. Standing on a platform some 12-13 feet above the ground, he was still a head taller than me. I fed it carrot sticks and if I didn’t pony up with one promptly enough, it nuzzled my neck (the giraffe, not the carrot stick). Its hair and whiskers are unbelievably soft. It would stick out its long purple, prehensile tongue that can grow up to 21 inches long, trying to reach a carrot stick. It’s tongue felt like delicate sandpaper and gave me the giggles. Thanks to my good friend Len Moors I have some pictures. He found a way to get individual pictures from a little iPhone video. Amazing!