Top 5: Herbivores of Kenya

Everyone seems to be fascinated by the carnivores, but here are five amazing herbivores to watch out for in Kenya.

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Giraffe

Famous throughout the world for their peculiar appearance, giraffes are the tallest terrestrial animals on earth, known for their long necks and distinct coloring. A full-grown giraffe can reach 18 feet, and they thrive in Kenya thanks to their ability to co-exist with cattle and spreading farmland.

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Rhinoceros

These majestic creatures have a lifespan of up to 40 years and can weigh up to three tons. They come in two species, the common white rhino and the increasingly rare black rhino. Black rhinos suffered a drastic drop in population, with less than 4,000 left in the wild.

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Ostrich

Contrary to popular belief, these large flightless birds do not stick their heads in the sand when threatened. In fact, they have been known to give powerful kicks when cornered, so don’t let their goofy look fool you. Ostriches are the largest birds in the world, laying the largest eggs, and also have the fastest land speed of any bird, reaching speeds up to 43 mph.

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Buffalo

Surprisingly, the most dangerous animal in Africa is not the lion, but the cape buffalo. They often group together in dangerous herds, attacking anything that is a threat to their young. It is also the only animal known to stalk and kill humans that have been wounded. Out of all the Big Five, it is said the cape buffalo has killed the most hunters.

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Elephant

Perhaps the most iconic animal of Kenya, the African elephant is the world’s largest land mammal, reaching 14 feet tall, 30 feet wide and weighing up to six tons. These animals have a keen sense of smell, memory and social structure, attributed to be the only animal that can recognize another even after death.