Because of their height and gangly appearance one would expect Rothschild giraffes to be slow and clumsy especially when you see them walk slowly through the savannah; but that is not the case. These giraffes are quite steady and fast. They are one of the fastest species of animals and can reach a top speed of about 56km/hr (35mph) when running across open ground. When travelling longer distances they can move at about 16km/hour (10mph).