The tongue of a giraffe is quite remarkable. It can be up to 18-20 inches (45-50 cm) long and has a dark blue or purplish-black color. This dark coloration is believed to help protect the tongue from sunburn, as giraffes spend a significant amount of time with their tongues out, browsing on leaves. The tongue’s length and dexterity allow the giraffe to skillfully navigate around the thorns of the acacia trees, one of their favorite foods. Additionally, the saliva of a giraffe has antiseptic properties, which can help heal minor cuts or abrasions caused by those thorns.