Giraffes are the tallest of all land animals. Most of their great height comes from their long necks and long legs. Giraffe necks are so long that the animals can reach high into the trees to feed on leaves. Their legs are so long that they can take huge steps when they walk or run. Strange as it may seem, the origin of the giraffe's name had nothing to do with the animal's size. It was the giraffe's speed that gave it its name. The word "Giraffe" comes from the Arab word xirapha, which means, "the one that walks very fast." **title page

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