Giraffes' distinctive orangish, rusty, or blackish coats are broken into patchworks by whitish outlines. All-whitish giraffes are a rare find. Giraffes inhabit many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, but are now most widespread in East Africa and the northern parts of southern Africa, where they find refuge in national parks. Giraffes live in open habitats, primarily wooded savannas and open woodlands. Giraffes do not live in areas dominated by moist tropical forest.
Giraffes eat the leaves of a variety of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs.
Acacia species are among their favorites. An adult giraffe may consume up to 140 pounds of foliage a day. Giraffes breed throughout the year. Males go from female herd to female herd seeking prospective mates. They zero in on females in heat, often feeding beside them and occasionally tangling necks.