More from Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity by Bruce Bagemihl. Giraffes are the tallest mammals, up to 19 feet/5.8m tall. They live in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania and the Transvaal.
Female Giraffes generally live in groups of up to fifteen individuals, including their calves and sometimes a few juvenile males. Adult males live in “bachelor” groups, but become increasingly solitary as they age. These older males may mate with multiple females, but play no part in the raising of the calves. Giraffes are sexually mature before they’re four years old, but have little interest in females at that age. Once they’ve had their heterosexual flings after they’re eight years old, most males “retire” alone.
Male Giraffe courtship is unique, because it involves the long necks they’re famous for. When “necking”, two males stand beside each other for up to an hour and gently rub their necks on each other’s body, head, neck, loins and thighs.
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardis)
Homosexuality: Female & Male Behaviours: Courtship, Affectionate, Sexual Ranking: Primary Observed: Wild
(See It’s Gay Animal Fortnight for an explanation of this box.) Continue Reading
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