Giraffe Skin. Giraffa camelopardis. South Africa

Measures 14 feet 7in x 11 feet 9in  Sold for $4,500

Note : The giraffe is the tallest of all land-living animal species. Males can be 19 feet tall and weigh up to 4,400 lbs. The giraffe is related to deer and cattle, but is placed in a separate family, the Giraffidae, consisting only of the giraffe and its closest relative, the okapi. Giraffes can inhabit savannas, grasslands, or open woodlands. They prefer areas enriched with acacia growth. They drink large quantities of water and, as a result, they can spend long periods of time in arid areas. When searching for more food they will venture into areas with denser foliage. This impressive specimen is a skin from a large adult. Backed in felt.  (Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)

Bonhams. Natural History, 22 Jun 2008. 220 San Bruno Street, San Francisco // 7601 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles - www.bonhams.com