Giraffe Necking:

Giraffe are not an unfamiliar sight here at Ubizane, as many guests will know they are quite curios creatures, and are often wandering around the lodges parking areas being their normal inquisitive self. However, this week we were treated to an unusual sighting of two male Giraffes necking. It was Wayne, our House Keeping Manager who spotted the two Giraffe near Safari Lodge parking area.

2 Male Giraffe at Safari Lodge, preparing for their dual.

Giraffe engage in “Necking” in order to determine dominance and hierarchy. When watching these graceful animals, one cannot help but think that it looks like a well rehearsed dance. “Movement and counter movement appear rhythmical and synchronized, imparting the supple grace of a sinuous dance.” – Richard Despard Estes (The Behavior Guide to African Mammals)


The two males began their duel outside of Safari 10, at first it seemed a friendly affair with them facing each other, moving back and forth with their legs locked in a stiff position. They even rubbed up against each other’s necks and flanks. One can easily mistake this behavior simply as two Giraffe being friendly. But this is low intensity sparring or “Necking”.


It was not until the Giraffe had reached Safari Lodge Parking Area that things started getting serious, and they entered what is called a higher intensity stage. Having no regard for the beautifully finished flowerbeds that edge the pathways leading to the rooms, the larger darker Giraffe kept pushing the other male; leaning against him and forcing him to go to more open grounds. 

 

As soon as the giraffe were in a more open area next to the parking area they both splayed their legs, as if to brace themselves for the blow. Once again it was the larger darker coloured male that was the first to ‘swing’ and knock the other male on his rump. The sound that comes from Ossicones (name given to the horn like structures on a Giraffe’s head) hitting lean rump muscle is quite amazing, it almost sounds like a slap but has a deep bellowing sound to it.

After the first hit was dished out, and the ‘tit for tat’ game wore off, the two males continued their back and forward sway, with their characteristic out-stretched necks and stiff legs and they made their way down to Safari Lodge’s pool area. Pausing every now and then to asses each other and their surroundings.
It was almost as if these graceful creatures did not want a witnesses to this harsh battle, and the males soon made their way into the bush, at a rather slow and painful ‘dancing’ pace; where they would be able to continue their duel in the privacy of the thick bush.

Their intense dual lead them all the way to the pool area

It was only on our way back up to the parking lot that we noticed how much damage a Giraffe’s dominance spat can cause. Besides the trampled flower beds, we found numerous muddy footprints along the pathways, as well as a broken light and Aloe. Although it meant extra work for our maintenance team, we couldn't help but feel privileged to have witnessed such graceful animals involved in such an intense dual.

Muddy Pathway by pool area

Giraffe footprint 

Broken pathway lamp 

Broken Aloe by Safari Lodge