A fighting break!

These two adult Giraffe bulls took a short break from their rather serious fighting and stared for a while across the beautiful Thanda landscape.

As for most male animals the reason for this fight was a lady in oestrous. These two were both possible mating candidates.

When Giraffes fight they will stand very close facing the same direction. In a strategic opportune moment they will try to swing their necks like long clubs at one another’s neck. If a blow is properly targeted the ossicones (the horn-like skull-extensions on top of the head) will impact with a loud thump. Adult male giraffe are actually bold on top of ossiconses from all the sparring and fighting.

If one of them has enough of the rather vicious blows, he will move off and leave the winner to claim his price.

Tomorrow’s blog message will show some images of the fight itself. Stay tuned!

Picture by Christian Sperka – Specialist Photography Guide and Resident Wildlife Photographer – Thanda Private Game Reserve