Beyond the Spots

There’s not one, but four distinct giraffe species

By Ellie McMillan, Writer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance | January 12, 2026*

Familiar brown patches dot giraffes from the tip of their long neck down their body. Some giraffes’ patterns look like ragged oak leaves while others have more uniform, rectangular spots. Additional factors including what they eat and where they live determine the color of their coats, ranging from light tan to dark brown. These traits may make it easier to tell them apart, and there are even more differences between giraffes that go deeper than what meets the eye.

It’s long been accepted that there is one giraffe species with nine subspecies. But in response to growing scientific evidence, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission’s Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group recently completed a taxonomic review. This groundbreaking assessment revealed that instead of one giraffe species, there are actually four: northern, southern, reticulated, and Masai.

Lemayian, the Masai giraffe pictured above, was born at the San Diego Zoo during the summer of 2025.

The evaluation couldn’t have happened at a more crucial time for giraffe conservation. The world’s tallest land mammal is experiencing what conservationists call a "silent extinction." Giraffe populations are drastically decreasing due to habitat loss, changing weather patterns, and mounting challenges to human-wildlife coexistence. As a result, it’s increasingly challenging for giraffes to find the food, water, and safe spaces they need to survive and thrive.

Now a new door is opening to save and protect giraffes for generations to come. This landmark reclassification is reshaping what we understand about them and how we can address their conservation needs. With our partners, we can create specialized approaches to evaluate the threats each giraffe species faces, leading to informed solutions.

Discover a little bit more about the four species below.

Northern giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis

VULNERABLE

Subspecies: G. c. peralta (West African giraffe), G. c. antiquorum (Kordofan giraffe), G. c. camelopardalis (Nubian giraffe)

Northern giraffes’ native range spans across Western, Central, and Eastern Africa. They sport large, brown splotches separated by thick, beige lines.

Reticulated giraffe Giraffa reticulata

ENDANGERED

The reticulated giraffe, mostly found in northern Kenya, has a dark coat with narrow, web-like white lines.

Masai giraffe Giraffa tippelskirchi

ENDANGERED

Subspecies: G. t. tippelskirchi (Masai giraffe sensu stricto), G. t. thornicrofti (Luangwa/Thornicroft’s giraffe)

Masai giraffes live in Eastern Africa from Kenya to Tanzania and their spots create patterns that look like oak leaves. In 2025, we welcomed four Masai giraffe calves at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. These new arrivals are increasing the global population and strengthening the species’ genetic diversity.

Photo Credit: Selim Kaya/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Southern giraffe Giraffa giraffa

VULNERABLE

Subspecies: G. g. giraffa South African giraffe), G. g. angolensis (Angolan giraffe)

Southern giraffes live throughout Southern Africa. They tend to have larger, rounded spots and a light tan coat.

The distinct spots and towering necks of giraffes are an iconic—and vital—part of the savanna’s landscape. As a keystone species, they help maintain balance in their ecosystem by grazing on hard-to-reach leaves and dispersing seeds throughout the environment. Together with our partners, we’re working towards a brighter future for all four species through our Savanna Conservation Hub.

Test your knowledge about the different giraffe species on your next visit to the Zoo and Safari Park and make sure to keep an eye out for the not-so-little calves.

Now that you've explored the four distinct giraffe species, you can celebrate these towering icons of the savanna in your everyday style. Our giraffe collection features everything from graphic tees and cozy hoodies to statement earrings, beaded bracelets, collectible enamel pins, mugs, and insulated tumblers—perfect for showing your love for wildlife wherever you go. Each purchase helps support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work to protect giraffes and other species around the globe. Wear it, sip from it, or gift it—and help take giraffe conservation beyond the spots.

*As seen on San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Story Hub.