Deadly kick of 17ft beast

GIRAFFES have one of the most powerful kicks in the animal kingdom – able to kill a lion with one strike.

When threatened, female giraffes keep their young close to their body and may lash out with their long, muscled front legs and plate-sized hooves.

Dr Hattie Bartlam-Brooks, of the Royal Veterinary College, said: ‘They will keep on going until they feel there is no longer a threat.’

Giraffes – which can weigh up to 1,800lb and reach 17ft – are often seen fighting each other during mating season, swinging their necks into rivals.

Earlier this year cameraman Carlos Carvalho, 47, was killed by a giraffe that slammed its neck into him while he was filming for British TV show Wild At Heart in a South African reserve.