Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa

A Giraffe is drinking water in the desert’s vastness at a waterhole in this fine art black and white photograph. The Giraffe has to bend over and spread her legs to reach the water surface with her mouth.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 15 July, 2023

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This photograph was captured with a Canon EOS-1D Mark III and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/5.6
  • Exposure time: 1/3200s
  • ISO: 800
  • Focal Length: 600mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 3226 by 4500 pixels (WxH).

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A thirsty Giraffe is drinking at the edge of the desert at a watering hole in this black and white fine art photograph. A Giraffe has to spread its front legs quite far to reach the water with the mouth. Drinking water makes a giraffe quite vulnerable to predators.

When a giraffe’s head comes up, that usually happens quite fast. Some giraffes even clap their legs together to stand right away correctly again.⁠ This female had a calf. When both animals arrived at the waterhole, they kept their distance.

A lion pride was lurking on the other side of the water. Both giraffes were exceptionally cautious, and it took them about 40 – 45 minutes until the adult animal finally was drinking. Also, the calf did not even dare to get close to the water.

What Do You Know About Giraffes?

  • Is the long neck of Giraffes too short to reach the ground? Indeed, it is. Who would have guessed that?
  • How long is a Giraffe’s neck? It is about 1.8 meters / 6 feet long.
  • Do Giraffes have the same coat patterns? No, it is basically like our human fingerprints.
  • Have Giraffes already extinct in some African countries? Yes, indeed, they have extinct in 7 African countries.
  • How large is the diameter of a Giraffe’s foot? It is about 30 cm / 11 inches, as large as your dinner plate!
  • How long is a Giraffe’s tongue? It can be between 45 – 50cm / 17 – 20 inches long.

Furthermore, in many places in Africa including in South Africa, human-made waterholes are the only source for animals to get water in the arid African Savannah.

The Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis, is in the category vulnerable on the IUCN red list.⁠

Discover more of our fine art B&W giraffe photography in our portfolio. You can purchase fine art prints framed and unframed as well as stock photos licenses of our nature photography.

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1 comment for Giraffe Drinking Water In The Desert’s Vastness

  1. Hanneke

    Looking so vulnerable, beautiful picture Anette

    • Anette Mossbacher

      While drinking all giraffes are vulnerable.
      Thank you very much, Hanneke.
      Cheers Anette

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