Going neck and neck!

It may look as if these young giraffes are fighting – but it's actually just good ol' hi-jinks and horseplay for our little long-necked friends! 

Did you know that as the world’s tallest mammals, they're also some of the most fair? For example, when males engage in sparring matches – which is also known as “necking” – they usually choose a partner of a similar size and age.

Young males like these two are just playing for practice, with no prizes in sight. But for older giraffes, the stakes are a bit, erm, higher – with males engaging in dramatic sparring displays to secure mating privileges for females in season. But rest assured, as soon as dominance is settled, everyone returns to a peaceful savannah life – in their typical slo-mo stroll of course!

It's fascinating that, just like humans are either right- or left-handed, every male giraffe has a preferred side to spar on, which is always respected.

So while these two young lads are (literally) learning to stick out their necks, they’re also learning the rules of a gentleman’s game!