Giraffes and social interactions

Giraffes, despite their lonely demeanour, lead a rich and intricate social existence. They frequently establish informal associations, or “towers,” comprising of females and their young, whereas adult males prefer to be solitary or form smaller bachelor groups. Within these groups, giraffes participate in a variety of social interactions, including grooming, play, and alloparenting. Their social relationships, particularly among females, can be remarkably strong, spanning years. However, giraffe society is dynamic, with individuals frequently shifting between groups. Giraffes’ fission-fusion social structure allows them to adapt to changing habitats and resources while maintaining social links with a larger network of individuals. Despite previous perceptions, giraffes are far from socially aloof; in fact, they are very gregarious animals with complex and multidimensional lifestyles.