The giraffe has been described as “magnificent in appearance, bizarre in form, unique in gait, and colossal in height.” They are rather unusual animals when you think about it and as is the case, it’s no surprise to find that giraffe stuffed animals are gaining in popularity simply because they’re different.

In Africa, some ancient cultures revered the giraffe so highly that the animal has been found etched on cave paintings and in prehistoric rock. At one time, the giraffe was an unknown animal outside of Africa and because of its unusual looks and shock appeal, it was often sent as a diplomatic gift to other countries. One of the first known recordings of such a thing was in 1415, when a giraffe was presumably sent from Kenya to China.

The giraffes scientific name Giraffe Camelopardalis, is derived from a mistake in which the animal was thought to be a cross between a camel and a leopard. It’s the tallest living animal on the planet standing up to 19 feet; its unique ‘design’ has adapted to be able to reach vegetation that is otherwise inaccessible to other plant eating animals. A giraffe stuffed animal is extremely lifelike in design with a body that is solid and a neck that is usually soft and pliable. While cuddliness may not come to mind when considering the purchase of a giraffe stuffed animal over a plush teddy bear, they do have a certain coziness about them nonetheless. You will soon find your child hugging their giraffe stuffed animal just like they do their other plush toys.

Some interesting facts about the giraffe include: despite its long neck, it only has seven vertebrae the same as most other mammals including man; even though they are mostly seen roaming in groups, they are not known to form social groups like lions they loosely associate with other giraffes and change those associations constantly. Giraffes can survive and go without water for very long periods of time and while they sometimes eat grass and fruit from various trees and shrubs, their principal diet is from the acacia tree. Even though this tree is equipped with thorns, the giraffes tongue is long and muscular and is adapted especially to be able to pick what it wants from the trees. And, despite its very large size, the giraffe is known as a selective feeder and can survive on as little as 15 pounds of foliage per day.

The next time your child requests a new plush toy, consider a giraffe stuffed animal instead of the standard bear. If nothing else, the sheer look of surprise on your child’s face at receiving such an unusual plush animal, will be worth its weight in gold.