Some of our best Paignton Zoo imagery taken since 2002. You can find more details about Paignton Zoo at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
Beautiful Giraffe Images
Rotschild's giraffe (Giraffe camelopardalis) Each giraffe has a unique pattern of markings- the coat is as individual as a human finger print. Despite its great length, the giraffe has the same number of vertebrae in its neck as most other mammals-7.
Dark patterned regions absorb visible light and emit heat more strongly than the lighter surrounding patterns, giving an inverse image of what you might have expected (top right).
Take the giraffe inside without direct solar illumination and the patterning rapidly disappears (bottom left)
