The Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata, formerly Giraffa camelopardalis or Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) is a large African ungulate. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and Zoo Tycoon (Xbox).
Description[]
The Reticulated Giraffe, also known as the Somali Giraffe, is a member of the genus Giraffa, which includes all living giraffes. This genus represents the tallest living land animal, reaching up to 5.5m (18ft) tall, with males being taller than females. Its most distinguishing features are its long neck and legs, which allows it to reach food from the top of high trees, which most other animals cannot get to. They mainly eat leaves, using their 18 inch long dark-purple tongues - believed to be this colour to protect it from the sun - to grab leaves whilst avoiding any thorns. The reticulated giraffe, identified by its large reddish-brown spots and white body, is native to Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, and can be found primarily in wooded savannah.
The taxonomy of giraffes, including the reticulated giraffe, is unclear. Traditionally, there are considered to be nine subspecies of giraffe, but DNA evidence has suggested there may be four distinct species of giraffe. Under this taxonomy, the reticulated giraffe is its own species separate from all other giraffes, although other scientists have suggested it may be a subspecies of northern giraffe. Although the reticulated giraffe is one of the most commonly kept types of giraffe in captivity, it is now considered endangered in the wild.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
The Reticulated Giraffe is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and is available in the base game. In Campaign and Challenge mode, it is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a rating of 2.5 stars.
Habitat[]
The reticulated giraffe lives in the Savannah biome, but will also tolerate Scrub. It enjoys lots of trees and large enclosures.
Diet[]
The reticulated giraffe is a tall browser, and will only eat branches.
Enrichment[]
The enrichment item of choice for the reticulated giraffe is the salt lick.
Shelter[]
The only shelter available for the giraffe is the giraffe house.
Behavior[]
The giraffe prefers to live in herds. Females will give birth to one calf at a time. It enjoys sharing enclosures with other African animals, such as zebras and wildebeests. The Masai giraffe, the other type of giraffe included in Zoo Tycoon 2, may cross-breed with reticulated giraffes (despite now being from a different species).
 zootycoon.com Description
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| The reticulated giraffe is one of the most striking subspecies of the giraffe, the tallest living animal. Giraffes live in tree-scattered terrain in Africa. Female giraffes give birth in one of several specific "calving areas" in their home ranges and return to these grounds to bear subsequent calves. Strong and well-developed at birth, calves nonetheless frequently fall to predators in their first year of life. The gender of a grazing giraffe can be determined at a great distance with considerable accuracy. Almost invariably, males feed with their necks and tongues completely outstretched to reach the foliage of very tall trees, and females bend their heads over the tops of smaller trees. |
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
The Reticulated Giraffe is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon (Xbox) and is available in the original game. It is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a fame level of 2, making it one of the earliest giraffes available for adoption.
The reticulated giraffe is once again a savannah animal. It is compatible with elephants, rhinos, antelope and other giraffes.
Gallery[]
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
Trivia[]
- At the time of Zoo Tycoon 2's development, the reticulated giraffe was considered to be a subspecies to a singular giraffe species. However, more recent studies have shown it to be part of its own species.
- This may be why the Masai and reticulated giraffes can interbreed.
- The reticulated giraffe is listed as Least Concern/Low Risk in the Zoo Tycoon franchise, but the species has since been reclassified as Endangered.
- During the launch of African Adventure, a bug occurred where female reticulated giraffes could give birth to a young Masai giraffe, even if the father is a reticulated giraffe. This was fixed by the release of Zoo Tycoon 2: Zookeeper Collection and in a patch for subsequent expansion packs.
- Although not an official animal, in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game the reticulated giraffe can be seen on the board game's score board and on the Motivated Employees Event Card.