Giraffe: Southern, Masai, Rothchild's, Reticulated
Read MoreSouthern Giraffe: A younger male 'necking' an older male. [Hwange NP, Zimbabwe]. I do not believe that this is sexual behavior. I have seen this several times, and every time it is between two males -- a younger and older male. I believe that it is a gesture by the younger male to ingratiate himself with, or pay homage to, the older member of his group. The younger one is always the more active, i.e., he initiates more of the characteristic gestures of wrapping his neck around the body or neck of the elder animal, and he makes more effort in bending it than the older one does. [Hwange NP, Zimbabwe].
The same two Southern Giraffe males 'necking' as in the previous image. I have seen this performance several times: always two males--one younger/smaller than the other. Some have suggested that this is a sexual act, but I believe it is more an event of the younger animal ingratiating himself with the older male. (See text of previous image). [Hwange NP, Zimbabwe].
This double image, and the next image, show two Southern giraffes 'necking'. The performance is much like I have seen in East Africa and in other Southern African countries. The only difference is the degree of participation in the exercise by the older (usually) animal. I believe that it is a gesture of homage by the younger animal to the older male. I do not believe that it is a sexual event.[Botswana]. (Please see next double image)....
This Southern Giraffe male (one can tell it's a male because of the white tufts on the top of its horns) was browsing the vegetation, and the Red-Billed Oxpeckers were browsing the giraffe. Note another one is just arriving .The birds were cleaning the giraffe's fur of insects--beneficial for the giraffe, but somewhat painful, because of the birds' sharp beaks. There were about 13 birds on his neck.[Kwando, Botswana].
Southern Giraffe under Acacia Tree
Two Southern Giraffes beneath a nicely conformed acacia tree. [Botswana].