Tallest land mammal - The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), which is now found only in the dry savannah and semi-desert areas of Africa south of the Sahara, is the tallest living animal reaching and overall height of 18 ft. The tallest ever recorded was a Masai bull (G. camelopardalis tippelskirchi) named George, received at Chester Zoo, Lancashire, United Kingdom on 8 Jan 1959 from Kenya. His 'horns' almost grazed the roof of the 20 ft high Giraffe House when he was nine years old. George died on 22 Jul 1969. Despite its awkward appearance, because of its long stride the giraffe is surprisingly swift and can attain speeds of about 30 mph at a gallop. (Photo: HOA-QUI)
