Lightning claimed the lives of two giraffes in South Africa recently. The incident prompted Ciska P. J. Scheijen, a conservationist at Rockwood Conservation, to investigate if the risk of a giraffe being struck by lightning is greater because of its height.

The lighting directly hit only one of the giraffe. It was a five-year-old female. A four-year-old giraffe was also killed either by a side flash or step potential. 

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The Mystery of Giraffes Killed by Lightning

 Following the incident, Scheijen wondered if giraffes are at greater risk when lightning strikes because of their height. Little research has been done on animal mortality due to lightning.

There are nearly 24,000 people struck and killed by lightning strikes all over the world annually, with hundreds of thousands getting injured. 

He also wondered: did giraffes learn to lower their heads during thunderstorms or hide to a grove of trees that are taller than them to avoid being struck over generations? 

His paper was published in the African Journal of Ecology.  

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What to Do When Lightning Strikes

Here are some tips from CDC that can help one avoid being struck: 

When Outdoors:

  • Check the weather forecast when going to outdoor activities. If the forecast includes a thunderstorm, postpone your trip, or, if not possible, make sure that a safe shelter is available in the area.
  • "When thunder roars, go indoors." It is best to find a safe, enclosed shelter when thunder happens. Even if caught in an open area, remove yourself from danger, and seek shelter. Crouching or getting low can reduce the chances of being struck, but it still does not remove one from the dangers of lightning. 
  • Move away from elevated areas such as ridges, hills, and peaks. 
  • Stay low. Crouching down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears is advised to maintain minimal contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground. 
  • An isolated tree, cliff, or rocky overhang is NOT a safe place to shelter. Move away from it. 
  • Please do not come near ponds, lakes, swimming pools, beaches and other bodies of water as it conducts electricity. Objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences, windmills, power lines, should also be avoided. 
  • Avoid open vehicles like convertibles and open structures like gazebos, porches, and open spaces such as parks and playgrounds.
  • Avoid leaning on concrete walls.

When Indoors:

  • Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or any form of contact with water as lightning may travel through the plumbing of the building.
  • Electrical systems and radio and television reception systems are also vulnerable to lightning. Thus, avoid using computers, laptops, and the like. Protect your appliances by equipping your home with surge protectors. 
  • Avoid corded phone. Use cordless or cellular phones instead.

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