Animals

Head-body length 12-15 ft.; height to horn tips 15-17 ft.; weight 1700-4200 lbs (males). Females are a foot or two shorter and a couple of hundred pounds lighter. Both sexes have horns, although the females' horns are smaller. G.c.reticulata is a bit smaller than the other subspecies. Varieties are told apart largely by pattern. Reticulated are characterized by large polygons separated by cream-colored lines rather like a large net thrown over a colored ground, hence the name "reticulated" giraffe. Color ranges from tan to deep chocolate brown, especially in old males who tend to darken as they age.