FactsWeather

Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people.

False
Verified11/30/2024
Times Checked1 time
Factuality Score20.0%

Analysis

The statement that giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people is not supported by the available evidence. Multiple sources indicate that while giraffes are tall and may be more susceptible to lightning strikes due to their size, the actual incidence of giraffes being struck by lightning is very low. There are only a few documented cases of giraffes being struck, suggesting that the risk is negligible. Therefore, the claim appears to be exaggerated and lacks sufficient evidence to be considered accurate.

Sources

Conflicts

lightning strikes are probably rare enough that the risk to an individual giraffe is negligible

Conflicts

The good news for giraffes is that they generally don't encounter many storms. In fact, there are only five well-documented cases of giraffes being killed by lightning between 1996 and 2010, including one incident of a giraffe being struck in front of Disney World visitors in 2003.

Supports

Giraffes are the tallest land animals on Earth, making them a higher point for lightning to strike.

Supports

This article talks about how four legged animals are more vulnerable to lightning strikes because ground current has high chances to go through vital organs. It also describes how large animals such as giraffes and elephants have higher chances of deadly strikes.

Conflicts

Despite being around five metres tall, giraffes are very unlikely to get struck by lightning. But this is mainly because lightning and giraffes are both fairly rare. There are only five well-documented fatal strikes on giraffes between 1996 and 2010.

Conflicts

A recent pair of giraffe deaths sparked the question

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