The Masai Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) is a large African ungulate. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and Zoo Tycoon (Xbox).
Description[]
The Masai giraffe is the largest of the four species of giraffe. Adult males usually reach around 6 m in height—although they have been recorded to reach heights of up to approximately 6.5 m—and females tend to be a bit shorter, measuring around 5–5.5 m tall. Their legs and necks are both approximately 2 m long, and their heart has a mass of roughly 12 kg (25 lb). Masai Giraffes can be distinguished from other giraffes by their jagged star-shaped spots which extend down to their hooves.
Like all giraffes, the taxonomy of the Masai giraffe is unclear. Initially, all giraffes were considered to belong to a single species, but evidence has suggested there may be four distinct species. The Masai giraffe is limited to southern Kenya and Tanzania and, like all giraffes, lives in loose herds whilst browsing at the tops of tall trees using their 18 inch long tongues. Due to poaching and habitat loss, Masai giraffe populations have dramatically declined in recent decades.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
The Masai giraffe is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and was added as part of the African Adventure expansion pack. In Campaign and Challenge mode, it is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a rating of 1 star.
The Masai giraffe is a Savannah animal, but will also tolerate Scrub. It is shares similar requirements to the Reticulated Giraffe. The two species have the ability to cross-breed, an ability only shared with the Plains Zebra and Quagga pair.
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The Masai giraffe is the tallest land animal. All giraffes have short, dense fur with an intricate pattern of dark patches that range from tannish-yellow to chestnut brown. This coloration helps giraffes blend in among trees and leaves and makes them harder for predators to spot. Although no two giraffe skin patterns are exactly the same, some regional patterns are so common and distinct that zoologists have identified a number of giraffe subspecies, including the Masai, based on the patterns. The Masai giraffe has patches with complex jagged outlines. |
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
The Masai giraffe is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon (Xbox) and is available in the base game. It is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a rating of 10.
The Masai giraffe is once again a Savannah animal. It is compatible with elephants, rhinoceroses, antelopes and other giraffes.
Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game[]
The Masai giraffe, referred to in-game simply as Giraffe, is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game. It is classed as a Level 1 "Main" species in the Ungulate family and is a savannah animal.
As a Level 1 animal, the Masai giraffe has no adoption requirements and can be adopted by any player. The Masai giraffe is also part of The Serengeti Conservation Project along with the plains zebra, common ostrich, lion, black rhinoceros, blue wildebeest and Fischer's lovebird.
The Masai giraffe was originally not going to be in the game at all. But after much demand from the community and game testing, the developers decided to reveal the giraffe as the last stretch goal of the Kickstarter campaign at 530,000 CHF. The goal was reached with only 12 minutes left before the Kickstarter campaign ended.
Gallery[]
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game[]
Trivia[]
- At the time of Zoo Tycoon 2's development, the Masai giraffe was considered to be a subspecies to a singular giraffe species. However, more recent studies have shown it to be its own species.
- This may be why the Masai and reticulated giraffes can interbreed, as well as general similarities between the two animals.
- The Masai giraffe is listed as Least Concern/Low Risk in the Zoo Tycoon franchise, but the species has since been reclassified as Endangered.
- In Zoo Tycoon 2 DS, the Masai giraffe's animal card uses the reticulated giraffe instead of the Masai.
- The Masai giraffe is not the giraffe species found on The Board Game's score board, the species instead being the reticulated giraffe.
- The Masai Giraffe was chosen over the reticulated giraffe because it is found in the Serengeti National Park[1].
References[]
Zoo Tycoon 2 DS animals | |
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Standard Animals | African Elephant • Black Panther • Black Rhinoceros • California Sea Lion • Cheetah • Chimpanzee • Dolphin • Dromedary Camel • Galapagos Giant Tortoise • Giant Sable Antelope • Gray Wolf • Greater Flamingo • Grizzly Bear • Komodo Dragon • Lion • Masai Giraffe • Moose • Nile Crocodile • Ostrich • Orangutan • Polar Bear • Pygmy Hippopotamus • Red Kangaroo • Spanish Lynx • Wolverine • Zebra |
Star Animals | American Beaver • Emperor Penguin • Giant Panda • Koala • Mountain Gorilla • Sea Otter |
Amazing Animals | Saber-toothed Tiger • Triceratops • Unicorn • Yeti |