There are currently nine different species / subspecies of Giraffes recognized to exist in Africa.

This is the Thornicroft’s Giraffe (formerly called the Rhodesian Giraffe), which can only be seen in the South Luangwa Valley in Zambia. This isolated species, G. c. thornicrofti, is believed to have fewer than 1500 individuals in existence.

As with other species of Giraffe, you can differentiate the Thornicroft’s Giraffe by it’s colouration and shape / location of it’s spots. This species has an almost cream coloured skin with ragged dark spots that extend all the way down from it’s neck to it’s legs. Compared to the Masai Giraffe, it’s spots are relatively light and spread apart.

Did you know that all Giraffes, both females and males, have what look like horns atop their heads? It is actually just built up cartilage, not a horn, and the males can use them as weapons while fighting for females during mating season.