The
giraffe (
Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African
even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest
living terrestrial animal and the largest
ruminant. Its
species name refers to its
camel-like shape and its
leopard-like colouring. Its chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely long neck and legs, its horn-like
ossicones, and its distinctive coat patterns. It is classified under the
family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, the
okapi. The nine subspecies are distinguished by their coat patterns.