Even the gentler animals in zoos have to be treated carefully. Zookeepers often get seriously injured by giraffes. These placid animals are incredibly clumsy and can accidentally kick your brains out. I never had the privilege of working with giraffes, but I’m told they give this goofy “gee, did I do that?” look at the human they just eviscerated with an errant swipe of that long leg.
The giraffe is noted for its extremely long neck and legs, as well as its horn-like ossicones. It stands 5–6 m (16–20 ft) tall and has an average weight of 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) for males and 830 kg (1,800 lb) for females.
Even a gentle nudge could be lethal.