World's Tallest Giraffe Is 18 Feet, 8 Inches High – Measuring Him Took A Few Months

Aug 27, 2020 by apost team

Zoos make memories for a lifetime. That's because taking a walk on the wild side is often full of wonder and excitement. The following zoo animal was the source of some fascinating conversation for the world.

One giraffe named Forest managed to become a giant in the giraffe world, growing to an astounding 18 feet and 8 inches in height. That's a whopping eight inches taller than a typical male giraffe and it earned him the title of World's Tallest Giraffe.

In true giraffe fashion, Forest is as tall as the trees. The Queensland, Australia, giraffe was born in New Zealand's Auckland Zoo. At age two, he was brought to his current residence, the Australia Zoo.

Since making his more than 2,000-mile move, the transplanted creature has been one tall tale in the making. According to zoo officials, he eats 100 pounds of food per day. All of this food has served him well as he has grown to his full height.

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Giraffes are always tall animals. They tower high above many of their zoo counterparts. Being called "as tall as a giraffe," means that you're at the top of the height charts. Since he's a giraffe, Forest's birthright was tree-like height, no matter his final height.

Forest's massive size did not go unnoticed by those around him. They thought his height was notable enough to apply to the Guinness World Records. They officially named him the tallest giraffe in the world.

When Forest received his title, the Guinness World Records team issued a particular certificate. It read, "The tallest living giraffe is Forest (AUS)." The proclamation goes on to specify his height.

Whatever is an ossicone? The ossicones are the two "horns" atop a giraffe's head. Forest was named the world's tallest giraffe as measured from "...the hooves to the top of the ossicones."

Measuring such a tall creature involves more than just standing him next to a giant ruler. His attendants had to make sure he stood up straight before they could measure his full height. Getting Forest to stand as upright as a tree took several months, reports the Guinness World Records website.

To ensure Forest stood up to full height, his caretakers developed a unique feeding platform. They readjusted it several times to get him to stand as straight as possible. Once he was standing at full height for his feeding sessions, they were able to measure him.

While zoo professionals must be highly capable and intelligent, Forest's caretakers must be brilliant. As a resident of the Australia Zoo, Forest is cared for by Terri, Bindi, and Robert Irwin. They are the widow and children of the late Steve Irwin, so they know a thing or two about wild creatures.

Before Forest's award, Bindi was already in the Guinness World Records. Her social media presence as Australia Zoo's "Wildlife Warrior" earned her her spot. According to Blasting News, the soon-to-be-first-time-mother was dubbed the "most followed TV naturalist/conservationist on Instagram," in 2018.

It's time to start making your records. You can inspire more people than ever through the power of your words. If you're on social media or a visitor here, it's time to kick it up a notch. Take a few moments and leave a comment on what you think of this remarkable giraffe, zookeepers, or your fantastic creature.

What's the most spectacular animal you have ever seen? Let us know in the comments below, and share Forest's incredible world record with all the wildlife lovers you know.