Why does a giraffe have a blue tongue?

[happyswan218]

If you've ever been lucky enough to be licked by a giraffe, you'll notice that their 50cm-long tongues can appear purple, bluish or almost black in colour. This is due to the density of dark 'melanin' colour pigments in them.

[tinytiger956]

A giraffe uses its tongue to reach around acacia thorns and grab the tasty leaves. The 18- to 20-inch-long tongue is blue-black, and the color probably protects it from sunburn.

Furthermore, why does a giraffe have a black tongue? The darker color is a result of the extra melanin that is present. It helps to prevent sun burns and can protect them. The end of their tongue tends to be black and may be more pink or purple near the top since that portion is not as exposed to the sun. The melanin act as a sort of natural sunscreen.

Similarly, you may ask, why does a giraffe have a purple tongue?

A giraffes tongue has melanin (same pigment that turns your skin dark when you get suntanned). Their dark tongues have more melanin, which protects them from getting sunburned.

What color is the tongue of a giraffe?

The colour of the tongue is best described as black, blue or purple with a pink base/back. It is generally assumed that the front part of the tongue has such dark coloration to protect it during frequent sun exposure while eating and prevent the tongue from getting sunburned, however, no one really knows.