On 22nd March, at Hongshan Forest Zoo in Nanjing, Jiangsu, two giraffes suddenly entered "combat mode," swinging their long necks to strike each other. Their swift and powerful movements were a stark contrast to the gentle image people usually associate with giraffes, drawing astonished reactions from nearby visitors.

Zoo staff explained that this was a natural behaviour and not part of any training or performance. They further noted that neck-swinging fights are common in the wild, especially among male giraffes competing for territory and mating rights.

A giraffe’s long neck is not just an adaptation for feeding; in males, it plays a crucial role in dominance battles. Their head and neck bones are particularly dense, allowing them to use their skulls like a swinging club in high-impact clashes. While giraffes, like humans, have seven cervical vertebrae, their necks make up 52-54% of their total spine length, and their joints allow for vertical head movement, maximising their attack range while reducing the risk of dislocation.