The fighting dance: Giraffes take place in 'necking' ritual
THESE are the pictures that show giraffes fighting for dominance - and making it look like a dance routine.
Giraffes Fighting and Necking
Despite their size, the giraffes appeared to create perfect symmetry as they took part in behaviour known as 'necking' - where the two males are seen swinging their huge necks in an attempt to take out their opponent.
But incredibly, despite the 20-feet-tall duo's aggressive behaviour, their movements still managed to be easy on the eye.
The pictures were taken by Russian wildlife photographer Andrey Gudkov from the safety of his safari jeep on the plains of the Masai Mara, Kenya.
The 42-year-old said: "Sometimes this behaviour is known as dancing but actually, the two males were fighting to see who is the strongest in the group.
The pictures were taken by Russian wildlife photographer Andrey Gudkov from the safety of his safari jeep on the plains of the Masai Mara, Kenya.
The 42-year-old said: "Sometimes this behaviour is known as dancing but actually, the two males were fighting to see who is the strongest in the group.
Even though they are in battle they are still incredibly graceful in their movements.
"It is fascinating to watch and even though they are in battle they are still incredibly graceful in their movements.
"Generally, these type of moments are very interesting and it is quite unusual to see it for yourself in the wild.
"I believe it is the job of the photographer to show the rest of the world these amazing moments.
"These fights can be very brutal can last from a few minutes up to an hour.
"Looking back the giraffes to appear to move in unison making for some very beautiful photographs."
Male giraffes establish their social hierarchies through 'necking'.
The victors of these bouts gain mating access to females.
