The giraffe (Giraffa) is the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. The name giraffe has its earliest known origins in the Arabic word zarāfah which translates as fast-walker. There are nine recognised sub-species of Giraffe that are found in differing geographic locations and vary somewhat in the colour and pattern of their spot-like markings. Its long legs allow giraffes to run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances and cruise comfortably at 10 miles an hour over longer distances.