The tallest of all animals, the giraffe is characterized by its very elongated neck and long limbs. Males, which are taller, range between about 4 and 5 m in height, with records of individuals up to 5.9 m. The shoulders appear higher than the rump, a feature accentuated by the long spines of the thoracic vertebra. Neck fringed with a short, thick mane. Ears narrow and pointed, eyes large.