When they were first brought to Rome in 46 B.C., they were thought to be as big as a camel, with spots like a leopard. Although we've long since learned the giraffe is not a combination of these animals, the name stuck. Mankind has historically honored giraffes. African cave paintings included them, probably as favored prey, and ancient Egyptian art frequently featured giraffe designs. In fact, giraffe tail hairs are still collected for jewelry, and hide is used to make sandals and ceremonial shields.
Some tribes treat nose bleeds with the smoke from burning giraffe skin.
Unfortunately giraffes antagonize farmers more and more, often when the animals forage on crops and compete with domestic stock for resources. This conflict is likely to escalate in the future as the African human population continues to increase. For the first four to five months, calves congregate in nursery groups called creches to rest and socialize while mothers forage in the distance. Newborn calves begin their lives by falling 6 feet to the ground. Fortunately, a baby giraffe is generally 6 feet tall and can stand soon after birth.