The reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), also known as the Somali giraffe, is a subspecies of giraffe native to the Horn of Africa. It lives in Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and northern Kenya. There are approximately 8,500 individuals living in the wild. The reticulated giraffe was described and given its binomial
name by
British zoologist William
Edward de Winton in 1899, however the IUCN currently recognizes only
one species of giraffe with
nine subspecies.
Reticulated giraffes can interbreed with other giraffe species in captivity or if they come into contact with populations of other species in the wild.
Together with the Rothschild's giraffe, it is by far the giraffe that is most commonly
seen in zoos. Its coat consists of large, polygonal, liver-colored spots outlined by a network of bright-white lines. The blocks may sometimes appear deep red and may also cover the
legs. Giraffes are the tallest mammals in the world.
Me: That's a
cute reticulated giraffe you have there!
The scared zoo owner who
saw me
break inside his zoo: Yeah, uh, thanks. Get out.