Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa

These four graceful giraffes are drinking at the waterhole while the sun sets across wild Namibia. In the foreground is water, which shows reflections of the giraffes.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 17 July, 2023

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This photograph was captured with a Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Exposure time: 1/200s
  • ISO: 100
  • Focal Length: 200mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 4634 by 3090 pixels (WxH).

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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.

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1 comment for Four Giraffes Drinking At Waterhole

  1. Karen

    African sunset at its best. Beautiful photo of these 4 giraffes drinking. The colors are superb.

    • Anette Mossbacher

      Than you very much, Karen

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