Thus, before drinking or taking advantage of a salt lick, giraffes scan the area quite carefully and make sure other members of the herd are nearby to act as lookout. Their favorite food is the tender new leaves of the acacia trees. Although most species of acacia have vicious thorns that can reach more than two inches in length, the giraffes' leathery tongue and mouth allow them to munch away as if they were enjoying a tender salad. Giraffes are rather docile creatures. Even contests among males to establish dominance rarely inflict any harm.
Large males use their bony heads and five-inch horns to spar with one another.
When attacked by predators, however, such as lions or hyena, giraffes are capable of delivering a lethal kick, even off to one side. The most commonly seen giraffes are members of the Masai race . Their brown spots are typically very irregular, much like jagged leaves. In northern Kenya, however, it is possible to see the rarer and very beautiful reticulated giraffe , which has striking chestnut colored patches separated by distinct and narrow white lines. Despite their size, giraffes can be surprisingly hard to notice.