These four graceful giraffes are drinking at the waterhole while the sun sets across wild Namibia. The sunset is casting all the surfaces in charming shades of pink and orange. In the foreground, space is taken up by the water, which has reflections of the giraffes drinking.
Giraffes Drinking
As you can tell, giraffe’s necks are too short of reaching the ground because of the length of their legs. That is why they have to spread their legs wider and awkwardly bend down to drink. This position leaves them quite vulnerable. The primary defense that giraffes have against predators is their enormous size.
Generally, big cats don’t usually go for them unless they are sick or have a young. The tallest elegant animals are also surprisingly quick, running at a speed of 55 km / 35 mph. However, if a predator gets too close, they will use their sturdy legs to kick.
Indeed sometimes killing the animal that gets in the way, such as lions and crocodiles. The predators will often go for them as giraffes are drinking and in that vulnerable position.
Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis, are in the category vulnerable on the IUCN red list.
Please explore more beautiful African wildlife photographs, if you like the ‘Four giraffes drinking at a waterhole.’ In my giraffe photography you can purchase a photo license or buy fine art photography prints in our photography portfolio.
Karen –
African sunset at its best. Beautiful photo of these 4 giraffes drinking. The colors are superb.
Anette Mossbacher –
Than you very much, Karen