The creature has a massive, four-legged body, and a long neck with wrinkled leathery skin; the neck can be extended a significant distance. The beast is intelligent and talkative, and is capable of co-operation and compromise with others. Its favored food is straw, though it can subsist on common hay when necessary. Nothing is known of the Hip-po-gy-raf's origins or kind; it appears to be a unique being. (The Tin Woodman of Oz)