The giraffe was originally thought to be a cross between which two animals?

The giraffe was originally thought to be a cross between a leopard and a camel due to its long neck and spotted coat. This misconception arose from its unique appearance, leading to various myths and misunderstandings about its classification. Early European explorers often described the giraffe in fantastical terms, contributing to this idea. However, giraffes are a distinct species within the family Giraffidae.