While on a recent tour of the Pilanesberg National Park we came across this Giraffe comically sucking on an old bone it picked up in the veld. Osteophagia – the behaviour in which herbivorous animals chew on bones – is thought to be a way for these animals to supplement the calcium and phosphate levels in their bodies, especially during the dry season when their usual fodder – leaves, in the case of giraffes – may not be adequately providing in their needs.

Giraffe chewing on a bone in the Pilanesberg National Park

Giraffe chewing on a bone in the Pilanesberg National Park

Giraffe chewing on a bone in the Pilanesberg National Park

Giraffe chewing on a bone in the Pilanesberg National Park

Giraffe chewing on a bone in the Pilanesberg National Park

Giraffe chewing on a bone in the Pilanesberg National Park