where do giraffes hide during storms

Giraffes usually don’t really hide during storms at all—they mostly ride them out in the open, especially on the African savannah where there’s very little cover.

Quick Scoop: Do giraffes have a “storm hideout”?

In the wild, giraffes live in open grasslands like the Maasai Mara, where there just aren’t many dense trees or rock shelters big enough for such a tall animal. Even when storms roll in with dark clouds, wind, and heavy rain, observers have documented giraffes simply standing out on the plain, calm and still, instead of sprinting away to find cover.

What they actually do in storms

• They often stay in open areas rather than under trees or next to structures, partly to avoid branches or debris falling and to reduce lightning risks from tall objects around them.

• They tend to stand still, put their heads down and backs to the wind, conserving energy instead of running on slippery, muddy ground.

• In very intense weather (like a strong hurricane-style storm), zoo managers say that captive giraffes may be given access to indoor barns or pens, but even then many prefer to stay out in their usual space if it’s safe.

A zookeeper interview about hurricane prep mentioned that large hoofed animals, including giraffes, “group in the middle of the field away from trees and structures” and just face the storm together.

So… where do they “hide” during storms?

If we translate the question into how they stay safest:

• In the wild:
  • Open savannah, away from tall trees and falling branches.

* Slightly lower ground like shallow valleys rather than exposed hilltops, when that’s an option.

* In loose groups, so more eyes and ears can detect predators even in rough weather.

• In zoos or wildlife parks:
  • Covered barns or indoor stalls during lightning or very severe storms, at the discretion of keepers.

* Outdoor yards when conditions are less extreme, because being in their normal space keeps them calmer and less stressed.

They don’t tuck into caves or thick forest like some animals might; their body size and height make that impractical, so “hiding” usually means choosing the safest open spot and posture rather than finding a roof.

TL;DR: In the wild, giraffes generally don’t hide during storms—they stay out on open ground, sometimes on slightly lower terrain, facing away from the wind and away from trees or structures, while in zoos they may be brought into barns if the weather is truly dangerous.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.