Giraffe Necking: Two Males Brawl Until One Quits

Quick Take

• Giraffe necking isn't just brutal. There's a calculated pre-fight ritual that determines whether it escalates at all. See the pre-fight ritual →
• There are actually two completely different versions of necking, and the milder one serves a purpose most people wouldn't expect. Explore both necking types →
• A giraffe's neck looks like its biggest vulnerability in a fight, but the anatomy tells a very different story. See the neck anatomy →
• Winning a necking fight means more than just dominating another male, and the real prize turns out to be more specific than it first appears. Discover the real prize →

Giraffes are famous for their long necks, which are their most defining feature. While they use their long necks for feeding on tall trees and looking out for predators, they also use them for fighting. This behavior, known simply as necking, involves swinging their necks and striking each other’s heads. This Instagram post by @talithaserengetisafaris shows two giraffes necking, and it’s an intense watch. Read on to learn more.

About Giraffe Necking

Giraffe necking is an aggressive combat between two males. As the name suggests, this form of fighting involves giraffes swinging their long necks at each other, almost like a pendulum. They strike at each other’s heads at full force. Although it may resemble wrestling, the giraffes are actually swinging their heads like hammers to strike each other. These fights can be potentially dangerous. While most fights end when one giraffe realizes it has been outmatched, accidents can still happen. Adult male giraffes typically weigh around 2,600 to 3,000 pounds and are extremely strong. The force of slamming their heads into another’s can cause serious damage, such as broken bones, bruises, or other neck injuries. So why do male giraffes do this?

Necking, just like other displays of power, is a way for male giraffes to assert dominance over one another and gain access to females during mating season. The strongest males often earn mating rights to fertile females. There are actually two different forms of necking. The first is a low-intensity, gentle style. When giraffes do this, they use light swings to test and spar with each other. Younger giraffes learning how to fight can often be seen doing this style. High-intensity fights are what can be seen in the video above. Adult males who wish to compete can be surprisingly violent, with fights lasting from a few minutes to over half an hour. While it might seem extremely painful, giraffe necks are surprisingly durable. Their neck vertebrae number seven, and their necks are around six feet long. The large bones that make up their spine provide structure and support for their powerful neck muscles and ligaments.